In The New Hot Press: 100 Irish Voices Proclaim YES

Hot Press has long campaigned for an end to the anachronistic and dangerous clause in the Irish Constitution known as the 8th Amendment. Forced into the Constitution in 1983, entirely on spurious religious grounds, and without any consideration for the impact on lives of vulnerable people and on the health of women, the Amendment has been one of the most cruel facets of Irish society for the last 35 years.

Now, after years of brave protests and fierce activism, Ireland has a chance to end this cruelty, with a referendum on May 25.

But, as everyone who has fought passionately for Repeal over the years knows, it's going to take Every. Single. Voice. for the country to understand how important this vote is.

In this special Repeal the 8th Issue of Hot Press, we wanted to capture a huge range of voices, from across the Irish artistic community, who believe in Repealing the 8th. Just as 100 voices in the Citizen's Assembly agreed overwhelmingly that this Amendment was wrong - we imagined a chorus of 100 artists singing in harmony, and their song is: Together For Yes.

From Laura Whitmore to Emma Donoghue; Seana Kerslake to Cillian Murphy; from the long, considered contributions of Lenny Abrahamson and Carol Keogh, to pithy one-liners from people like Cathy Davey and Eleanor McEvoy, the 100 voices here combine emotion with reason; thoughtful facts and research with meaningful real-life stories.

For those who have not thought about this issue, or who are undecided, or who intend on voting No - we ask you to listen to what your fellow countrymen and women are saying. We ask you to consider their stories with an open, compassionate heart.

These are only a handful of voices in support of Repeal. We ask you to make yours heard.