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Mashrou' Leila: Jordan bans Lebanese rock band with gay singer
Source: BBC
Mashrou' Leila: Jordan bans Lebanese rock band with gay singer
27 April 2016 Middle East
A Lebanese rock band says it has been banned in Jordan because its music supports religious and sexual freedom.
Mashrou' Leila was to play in the Roman amphitheatre in Amman on Friday, but the concert was cancelled on Tuesday.
The band said the official explanation was that its music was at odds with the "authenticity" of the site, despite having performed there three times.
Mashrou' Leila's lead singer is openly gay - and the band tackles taboos that few other Arab musicians have explored.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
"We also have been unofficially informed that we will never be allowed to play again anywhere in Jordan due to our political and religious beliefs and endorsement of gender equality and sexual freedom."
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
27 April 2016 Middle East
A Lebanese rock band says it has been banned in Jordan because its music supports religious and sexual freedom.
Mashrou' Leila was to play in the Roman amphitheatre in Amman on Friday, but the concert was cancelled on Tuesday.
The band said the official explanation was that its music was at odds with the "authenticity" of the site, despite having performed there three times.
Mashrou' Leila's lead singer is openly gay - and the band tackles taboos that few other Arab musicians have explored.
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
"We also have been unofficially informed that we will never be allowed to play again anywhere in Jordan due to our political and religious beliefs and endorsement of gender equality and sexual freedom."
[font size=1]-snip-[/font]
Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36148343
