Music festival canceled due to band’s protest against anti-gay laws through lead singer’s on-stage action.

Music Festival ⁤Shut Down After Band Protests Anti-Gay Laws⁣ with Lead Singer’s On-Stage Move

Malaysia’s ​government made a⁢ bold decision on Saturday​ by‌ cutting short a⁤ music festival following a powerful statement made by the lead singer of British band The 1975. During their performance, Matty Healy slammed the country’s anti-gay laws and shocked the⁤ audience by ⁣kissing his male bandmate, Ross MacDonald.

“There will be ⁢no compromise ⁣with any party that challenges, belittles ⁢or violates Malaysian laws,” said ⁢Communications​ and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil in a ⁢statement on‌ Facebook.

The incident, which ​was captured on video and shared on social media, caused a major uproar in the predominantly Muslim nation. Healy’s speech, in which ‍he used profanity​ to criticize⁣ the government’s ⁢stance against homosexuality,​ ignited a wave of controversy.

After meeting with the festival organizers, Fahmi announced that the Good Vibes Festival, which was supposed to continue throughout the weekend, would be ​canceled.

“Homosexuality is a crime in the country that​ is‌ punishable by up to‍ 20 years in prison and caning,” stated Fahmi.

The agency⁤ responsible for approving performances by foreign artists expressed ⁣its ⁣disappointment with the band’s conduct, deeming it “an insult⁣ and disrespecting the laws of the country.” As a result, ⁤The 1975 will⁤ be‍ blacklisted from performing​ in Malaysia.

This is not ⁤the first time that Healy has used his platform to advocate ⁢for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2019, ‍he made headlines by​ kissing a male fan during a concert in the United Arab Emirates,‍ a ⁢country that ‌also criminalizes homosexual acts.

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