Morrissey tells Ireland: Well done on legalising gay marriage, try harder on animal rights

Bizarre open letter was published online

Morrissey is well-known for his animal rights activism, controversially suggesting last year that eating meat was similar to paedophilia (Getty )

Morrissey has congratulated the people of Ireland for legalising in gay marriage – but warned they are still not in the 21st century due to animal cruelty.

The outspoken singer, author and activist posted an open letter online following the results of Ireland’s gay marriage referendum on Saturday.

Ireland voted overwhelming in favour of legalising gay marriage, with only one of 43 countries voting against same sex marriage.

In the open letter Morrissey wished the nation congratulations, writing: “The people, once again, teach the church. The people, once again, teach the politicians.”

He continued: “Now, Ireland, please abolish fur farms and factory-farming and transportation of live animals, and welcome yourself completely into the 21st century.”

Agriculture and farming is one of Ireland’s most important manufacturing sectors, employing approximately 150,000 people, according to data from Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority.

Morrissey is well-known for his animal rights activism, controversially suggesting last year that eating meat was similar to paedophilia. “I see no difference between eating animals and paedophilia. They are both rape, violence, murder,” he wrote online.

He walked off stage at Coachella in 2009 after smelling meat being cooked. On his return he told the crowd: "The smell of burning animals is making me sick. I just couldn't bear it."