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On May 25 Irish citizens will vote in a referendum on whether to repeal the eighth amendment of the constitution, which currently prohibits abortion in the majority of cases. In the run up to the vote, a campaign has begun to get people talking about the issue, which is all too often consigned to uncomfortable silence or heated debate filled with misinformation.

SEE ALSO:Something remarkable happened when this abortion rights mural was painted over

The 'Hear Me Out' campaign comes from the Yes side of the debate (advocating that the 8th be repealed).

The idea is to encourage Irish people to have private conversations with undecided voters and in the process avoid the polarising and inflammatory language that characterises online debate.

"Put the kettle on, start a conversation, send a letter, an email or even a text," #HearMeOut say on their website, "asking a person in your life to hear you out."

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"There are many people undecided on this issue and many who are voting no," they say, "we believe that through gentle conversations and sharing stories we can help them understand the compassion, care and dignity a YES vote will afford the women of Ireland."

On Sunday, actor Aonghus Óg McAnally shared his own experience of being won over to the other side through considered, respectful conversation.

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The campaign has been praised for its approach:

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Irish comedian Dara O'Briain described the thread and the campaign as 'excellent'.

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Whatever your position on the debate, listening is something we should all practice more.

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TopicsActivismPolitics

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