Christian Rock Band U2 Show Support for Equal Marriage on Instagram

On the day of Ireland's equal marriage referendum, rockband U2 have issued a message in support of
a 'yes' vote.

The band, which includes committed Christian members Bono, TheEdge and Larry MullenJnr, posted a picture of a post-it note on Instagram, inscribed with the message:
"In the name of love...#vote yes".

The phrase references their famous hit 'Pride(In the Name of Love)', the lyrics of which focus on the life and death of Jesus.

Voters across the Republic of Ireland, from where U2
hail, will vote in a same-sex marriage referendum today.

A 'yes' vote will lead to a change in the Irish constitution to join the 19 existing nations which allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

Homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in
1993, while civil partnership status was granted to gay and lesbian couples in 2010. The vote come shot on the heels of the verdict in the Ashers Bakery trial in Northern Ireland, where aChristian-run bakery was penalised for refusing to bake a cake with a pro gay marriage slogan.

Ahead of the vote, Bono spoke out in support of equal marriage, telling the Irish Times :"Marriage is nowban idea that transcends religion...It is owned by the people. They can decide. It's not a religious institution."