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In 2013 Take Me To Church videoclip took a stand against the poor state of LBTQ rights in Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 February 2019 |title=Hozier on Seamus Heaney, Maltesers and why Nina Simone turns his brain inside out. The singer of Take Me to Church answered questions on the Irish abortion referendum, reading 1984 – and cheese |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/live/2019/feb/15/hozier-webchat-post-your-questions-now-take-me-to-church |url-status=live |work=The Guardian}}</ref> The song itself is about the church's systemic oppresion of women, the rape of children and the philosophies of shame, repression, indoctrination and homophobia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Monks |first=Aidan |date=3 August 2023 |title=Hozier: love, politics and punishment |url=https://exposure.org.uk/young_peoples_work/hozier-love-politics-and-punishment/ |website=Exposure, Youth Communications Charity}}</ref>
In 2014 he was a part of '''''Straight Up For Equality'''''<nowiki/>'s "'''Do Something'''" campaign<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCahill |first=Elaine |date=22 November 2014 |title=Hozier lends voice to gay marriage campaign |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/hozier-lends-voice-to-gay-marriage-campaign/30764422.html |url-status=live |work=Irish Independent}}</ref> which encouraged young people to vote Yes in the [[Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland|same-sex marriage referendum in Ireland]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=McMahon |first=Aine |date=20 April 2015 |title=Hozier calls for Yes vote in same-sex marriage referendum. Musician says those wishing to live in nation that does not discriminate should vote |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/hozier-calls-for-yes-vote-in-same-sex-marriage-referendum-1.2182799 |url-status=live |archive-url= |work=The Irish Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Donoghue |first=Anna |date=21 April 2015 |title=Hozier: 'The upcoming referendum is not simply a gay rights issue'. “My name is Andrew Hozier-Byrne and I am straight up for Equality,” |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/celebrity/arid-30672720.html |url-status=live |work=Irish Examiner}}</ref> (62,1% Yes vote)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collinson |first=Anna |date=23 May 2015 |title=Emotional posts as Ireland votes yes to same-sex marriage in referendum |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-32853177 |work=BBC NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=The Associated Press |date=23 May 2015 |title=Ireland same-sex marriage referendum: 'Yes' wins. Official results show resounding 62.1% voted in favour of gay marriage |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ireland-same-sex-marriage-referendum-yes-wins-1.3084976 |url-status=live |work=CBS NEWS}}</ref> using videos and [[HomeToVote|#HomeToVote]] and #MarRef. He called for the straight community's solidarity to LGBT community as a statement the people valute the equal treatment, do not discrimintate or implicitly condemn.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2015 |title=Hozier issues impassioned plea to Irish citizens to vote Yes for equality |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/hozier-issues-impassioned-plea-to-irish-citizens-to-vote-yes-for-equality/31157174.html |url-status=live |work=Irish Independent}}</ref> The campaign turned into a showcase of how organizations can be creative while seeking to secure rights for a minority group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Susan |date=November 2017 |title=The Path to Marriage Equality in Ireland: A Case Study |url=https://www.atlanticphilanthropies.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/The-Path-to-Marriage-Equality-Ireland.pdf |url-status=live |website=AtlanticPhilantropies}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cullen |first=Clare |date=14 May 2015 |title=Exclusive: Social media to play 'critical role' in referendum on same-sex marriage Online traffic shows massive rise in Google searches about same-sex marriage and use of #MarRef hashtag |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/exclusive-social-media-to-play-critical-role-in-referendum-on-same-sex-marriage/31222263.html |url-status=live |work=Irish Independent}}</ref>
In 2016, Hozier participated in the "'''''Home Sweet Home'''''" movement (a coalition between homeless support organisations, trade unionists and artists) with the goal of getting the Irish government to act to end homelessness.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/celebs-hansen-hozier-ronan-lead-illegal-homeless-uprising-in-dublin | title=Celebs Hansard, Hozier, Ronan, lead "illegal" homeless uprising in Dublin | first=Walter Ryan | last=Purcell | website=IrishCentral.com | date=19 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111705/https://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/celebs-hansen-hozier-ronan-lead-illegal-homeless-uprising-in-dublin | archive-date=6 March 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref> Activists took over Apollo House, a former government office block and turned it into a shelter for homeless people. There were plans to demolish it and the shelter was viewed as "illegal occupation". Receivers went to the High Court in Dublin seeking injunctions against the campaigners which could force them to leave the building.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2016 |title=Apollo House: Irish stars join homeless shelter protest |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38378193 |url-status=live |work=BBC NEWS}}</ref> Hozier, [[Kodaline]], [[Christy Dignam]] and [[Glen Hansard]] performed at Apollo House at a free concert.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Barry |date=20 December 2016 |title=Hundreds turn up as Irish musicians perform to support Home Sweet Home campaign at Apollo House. The free gig took place at Apollo House on Poolbeg Street, after receivers launched a High Court action aimed at regaining possession of the property |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/hundreds-turn-up-irish-musicians-9491987 |url-status=live |work=Irish Mirror}}</ref> The ''Home Sweet Home'' campaign raised more than 90.000 euros (about $94.000) through a [[GoFundMe]] page.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Donie |date=19 December 2016 |title=Activists take over city block to house Irish homeless |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/19/world/ireland-dublin-building-homeless/index.html?sr=twCNN121916ireland-dublin-building-homeless0649PMVODtopLink&linkId=32549297 |url-status=live |work=CNN World}}</ref> The judge granted the injuction to the receivers allowing the volunteers and residents to remain through the Christmas season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2016 |title=Apollo House receivers take High Court action to have building vacated |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1220/840244-apollo-house-high-court/ |work=RTE NEWS}}</ref> ''Home Sweet Home'' movement managed to draw attention to the housing crisis starting a national discussion and putting pressure on the goverment to act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=HG |date=24 December 2016 |title=Hozier Supports Home Sweet Home |url=https://hoziersguitars.com/hozier-supports-home-sweet-home/ |url-status=live |website=Hozier's Guitars}}</ref>
On St. Valentine's Day Hozier, [[Dearbhla Walsh]], [[Moe Dunford]] and [[Saoirse Ronan]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polanco |first=Luis |date=18 February 2016 |title=Hozier and Saoirse Ronan Address Domestic Abuse In ‘Cherry Wine’ Video. Brooklyn actress Saoirse Ronan stars in the latest Hozier music video for "Cherry Wine" that tackles the topic of domestic abuse. |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/hozier-saoirse-ronan-domestic-abuse-cherry-wine-video-6882403/ |url-status=live |website=Billboard}}</ref> joined forces to highligh the issue of domestic violence for the '''''#FaceUpToDomesticViolence''''' campaign for the videoclip of [[Cherry Wine (Hozier song)|Cherry Wine]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=McGuire |first=Jen |date=17 February 2016 |title=What Does Hozier's 'Cherry Wine' Mean? The Newly-Released Music Video Has The Answer |url=https://www.romper.com/p/what-does-hoziers-cherry-wine-mean-the-newly-released-music-video-has-the-answer-5777 |url-status=live |work=Romper Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodulfo |first=Kristina |date=17 February 2016 |title=Saoirse Ronan and Hozier Team Up on a Powerful Campaign Against Domestic Violence |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/news/a34183/hozier-saoirse-ronan-cherry-wine-music-video/ |url-status=live |website=ELLE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=La Redaction |date=17 February 2016 |title=Hozier se mobilise contre les violences domestiques |url=https://www.rollingstone.fr/hozier-se-mobilise-contre-les-violences-domestiques/ |url-status=live |website=RollingStone France}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kickham |first=Dylan |date=17 February 2016 |title=Hozier Cherry Wine video: Saoirse Ronan sheds light on domestic violence |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/02/17/saoirse-ronan-domestic-violence-hozier-cherry-wine/ |website=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> The song contemplates the male perspective of an abuse sufferer and its proceeds are donated to domestic abuse charity organizations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff Writers |date=16 February 2016 |title=Saoirse Ronan and Hozier aid #FaceUpToDomesticViolence campaign. Proceeds from new single and moving video, Cherry Wine, to go to domestic violence charities. |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/education/saoirse-ronan-hozier-aid-faceuptodomesticviolence-campaign-video |url-status=live |work=Irish Central}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Associated Press |date=12 February 2016 |title=Irish singer Hozier's single goes to fight domestic abuse |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-3444360/Irish-singer-Hoziers-single-goes-fight-domestic-abuse.html |work=Daily Mail Online}}</ref> The haunting song managed to capture the reason why victims are capable of staying in abusive relationships by justifying what happens in their partner's "bad moments".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luckstead |first=Danielle |date=14 February 2016 |title=Cherry Wine |url=https://elleinwords.wordpress.com/2016/02/14/cherry-wine/ |website=Elle In Words}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Snider |first=Carly |date=17 February 2016 |title=Music Video Review: Hozier’s ‘Cherry Wine’ is delicate yet heavy |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/music-video-review-cherry-wine/ |work=The Michigan Daily}}</ref> Charities like Women's Aid, Safe Ireland and others asked the government to face up to domestic abuse, recognise that violent relationships are not strictly physical and to make adequate victim resources a reality.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayden |first=Jade |date=24 November 2017 |title=Let’s Face Up to Domestic Abuse |url=https://headstuff.org/topical/domestic-abuse-ireland/ |url-status=live |website=HeadStuff}}</ref> Hozier spoke not only about the impact of domestic abuse on victims but tried to raise awareness about the effects on families and communities causing [[transgenerational trauma]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stolworthy |first=Jacob |date=15 February 2016 |title=Powerful new Hozier video stars Saoirse Ronan as domestic abuse victim. The "Take Me To Church" singer is fronting the #FaceUpToDomesticViolence campaign |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/powerful-new-hozier-video-stars-saoirse-ronan-as-domestic-abuse-victim-a6875336.html |url-status=live |work=Independent}}</ref> He used his social media platforms sharing statistics to draw attention to the magnitude of the problem.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LP |date=21 February 2016 |title=Update: Cherry Wine #FaceUpToDomesticViolence Campaign |url=https://hoziersguitars.com/update-cherry-wine-faceuptodomesticviolence-campaign/ |url-status=live |website=Hozier's Guitars}}</ref>
Hozier, who had a Protestant upbringing in the [[Quaker]] faith but also attended a Catholic school, is an outspoken critic of the [[Catholic Church]], specifically on its views on [[sexual orientation]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Singer Hozier on Catholic Church: It's an Organization of Men, It's Not About Faith | url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/singer-hozier-on-catholic-church-its-an-organization-of-men-its-not-about-faith.html | last=Funaro | first=Vincent | work=[[The Christian Post]] | date=10 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721005133/https://www.christianpost.com/news/singer-hozier-on-catholic-church-its-an-organization-of-men-its-not-about-faith.html | archive-date=21 July 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref> He often speaks about [[Magdalene Laundries in Ireland|Magdelene Laundries]], abusive homes for undesirable, unmarried and single-parenting women which Pope Francis never acknowledged.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Longo |first=Joseph |date=4 March 2019 |title=Hozier on ‘Wasteland, Baby!’ and Reckoning With Sins of the Catholic Church: ‘I Can’t Be Shocked Anymore’. The “Take Me to Church” singer has a new album out, Wasteland, Baby! But first, he’s shedding his Catholic upbringing. |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/hozier-on-wasteland-baby-and-reckoning-with-sins-of-the-catholic-church-i-cant-be-shocked-anymore |url-status=live |work=Daily Beast}}</ref>
He pledged his support to the "'''10.000 Missing Children'''" Campaign aiming to raise awareness on the disappearance of unaccompanied minors refugees feared to be victims of child trafficking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Refugee Solidarity |first=Bray |date=7 September 2016 |title=10.000 Missing Children |url=https://10000missingchildren.wordpress.com/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |website=10.000 Missing Children}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Maher |first=David |date=7 September 2016 |title=Hozier among top Irish celebrities backing 10,000 Missing Children Campaign |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/hozier-among-top-irish-celebrities-8784987 |work=Irish Mirror}}</ref> The Bray Refugee Solidarity Group tried to get over 2.000 signatures from the Irish public to put pressure on the EU to ensure that the minors are guaranteed safety and protection of their basic rights when they arrive on Europe's shores.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Somers |first=Laura |date=7 September 2016 |title=Hozier shows his support for 10,000 Missing Children Campaign with heartwarming video. He was joined by a host of famous faces to support the worthy cause. |url=https://vipmagazine.ie/hozier-shows-his-support-for-10000-missing-children-campaign-with-heartwarming-video/ |url-status=live |work=VIP, The home of Irish celebrities}}</ref> #10000MissingChildren campaign raised awareness<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fegan |first=Joyce |date=8 September 2016 |title=Hozier stars in campaign for child refugees. Hozier, along with several other Irish stars have launched a powerful video campaign about the child refugee crisis. |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20420000.html |url-status=live |work=Irish Examiner}}</ref> yet the disappearance of migrant children in the EU is alarming. (Between 2018 and 2020, over 18.000 migrant and refugee children were reported as missing in Europe.)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mentzelopoulou |first=Maria-Margarita |date=September 2022 |title=Disappearance of migrant children in the EU |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2022/733670/EPRS_ATA(2022)733670_EN.pdf |url-status=live |website=European Parliament}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Children in migration. Children in migration are underreported and at higher risk of trafficking and exploitation |url=https://missingchildreneurope.eu/children-in-migration/ |website=Missing Children Europe}}</ref>
Hozier joined [[Cillian Murphy]] on a ''March for Choice''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Paul |date=24 September 2016 |title=PIC: Hozier supports the Repeal the 8th campaign as he poses with fans during today’s march |url=https://www.joe.ie/news/pic-hozier-supports-the-repeal-the-8th-campaign-as-he-marches-for-choice-561585 |url-status=live |work=Joe}}</ref> for the '''''Repeal The Eighth''''' campaign to reform Ireland's abortion laws.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwin |first=Adam |date=14 October 2016 |title=Take Me To Church singer Hozier campaigns for Repeal The 8th Ireland abortion vote |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/take-church-singer-hozier-campaigns-ireland-abortion-reform-25677?srsltid=AfmBOop-pG4da3TE5qrPUmc66opB2dngRH4yJ1d4AH_R_V6Rc6trWPz7 |url-status=live |work=INEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Steward |first=Abby |date=16 October 2016 |title=Hozier Speaks Out for Ireland Abortion Reform |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/hozier-speaks-out-for-ireland-abortion-reform-19021263 |url-status=live |work=Hot Press}}</ref> taking a stand against Ireland's constitutional ban which he considered to be degrading and cruel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwin |first=Adam |date=14 October 2016 |title=Take Me To Church singer Hozier campaigns for Repeal The 8th Ireland abortion vote |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/take-church-singer-hozier-campaigns-ireland-abortion-reform-25677?srsltid=AfmBOopHFUqhvvUR_cYlaUFtMI0p9oc-mFQEcWC0I545BW3MmYcH1goJ |url-status=live |work=INEWS}}</ref> He showed support for women's right to [[abortion in the Republic of Ireland]] <ref>{{Cite news |last=De-Burca |first=Demelza |date=25 April 2018 |title=Hozier urges Irish men to vote Yes in abortion referendum. The Take Me To Church hitmaker has got behind a social media campaign regarding the repeal of the Eighth Amendment |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/irish-showbiz/hozier-urges-irish-men-vote-12427137 |url-status=live |work=Irish Mirror}}</ref> in the [[Thirty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland|2018 referendum]] using his platform to reach out to people. He called for men to not stand aside and make their vote count.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018 |title=Watch: Hozier shares heartfelt message urging people to vote yes in tomorrow's referendum |url=https://entertainment.ie/uncategorized/watch-hozier-shares-heartfelt-message-urging-people-to-vote-yes-in-tomorrows-referendum-251135/ |url-status=live |work=Entertainment.ie}}</ref> Hozier stated he felt "pride" in his generation and the democratic process following the vote<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/irish-abortion-referendum-musicians-encourage-votes-tweets-8457893/ | title=Niall Horan, Hozier, Bastille & More Encourage Votes on Irish Abortion Referendum | first=Gil | last=Kaufman | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=25 May 2018 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=10 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610123129/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/irish-abortion-referendum-musicians-encourage-votes-tweets-8457893/ | url-status=live }}</ref> (66,4% Yes vote).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abortion Law in Ireland |url=https://www.abortionrightscampaign.ie/abortion-law-in-ireland/ |url-status=live |website=Abortion Rights Campaign}}</ref>
In 2018 he released the song [[Nina Cried Power]], a call to action against unjust authorities and a tribute to the protest music of the [[Civil rights movement]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Marissa |date=20 March 2023 |title=Review: Political Activism in Hozier's newest release "Eat Your Young". The Irish bard returns, bringing more pithy and poignant lyrics with him |url=https://www.statepress.com/article/2023/03/hozier-new-ep-eat-your-young |url-status=live |work=The State Press}}</ref> Hozier said that ''music is political no matter what''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almahdi |first=Hajir |title=Art Cries Power: All Art is Political |url=https://artmejo.com/art-cries-power-all-art-is-political/ |url-status=live |website=Artmejo}}</ref> and has often talked about writing from a socially conscious perspective.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baltin |first=Steve |date=17 December 2019 |title=Q&A: Hozier On Tom Waits, Poetry, Mixing Pop And Politics |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2019/12/17/qa-hozier-on-tom-waits-poetry-mixing-pop-and-politics/ |work=Forbes}}</ref> He performed the song at Belfast in 2019 in solidarity with a woman who went on trial on Northern Ireland for obtaining abortion pills that she gave to her teenage daughter in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bryant |first=Aoibhin |date=25 June 2019 |title=Hozier dedicates 'Nina Cried Power' to the pro-choice fight at Belfast show |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/hozier-prochoice-belfast-22778479 |url-status=live |work=HotPress}}</ref>
Hozier commented on [[MeToo movement|#metoo]] movement by saying the "worst is yet to come" since with each story that comes out, it inspires people to share their own and that's only ever going to be a good thing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Roisin |date=28 February 2019 |title=Hozier interview: 'I think the worst is yet to come with #MeToo and the music industry' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/hozier-interview-new-album-wasteland-baby-sergei-polunin-take-me-to-church-a8800256.html |url-status=live |work=Independent}}</ref>
In 2019 Hozier created '''Cry Power Podcast''' in partnership with Global Citizen talking with artists and activists about how to take action and change the world using what's available to them and creating #PowerTheMovement to end extreme poverty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cry Power With Hozier |url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/projects/crypower/ |url-status=live |website=Global Citizen}}</ref>
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