News

Muslims Banned from Black Eyed Peas Concert in Malaysia

11:33 a.m. · August 28, 2009 · by Michael Hoven

"Muslims cannot attend. Non-Muslims can go and have fun." So said Malaysia's Ministry of Information to the Associated Press, at least reassuring everyone that the government doesn't plan on outlawing fun entirely. Malaysian Muslims are subject to Islamic law, and the Guinness-sponsored concert, scheduled for September 25 in Kuala Lumpur, has been deemed in violation. The concert wouldn't have even been approved normally, but the BBC reports that they need the money from tourism. And they will need tourists since the ban affects 60 percent of the population.

Tourists will be disappointed, too, and not just because they'll be listening to the Black Eyed Peas. Even though Guinness is sponsoring the event, they can't sell beer there. They can't even use their logo. If that seems Draconian it's in line with a recent court ruling that sentenced a woman to be caned for drinking beer in public. If I were associated with Guinness I'd keep a low profile.

[BBC and AP via NME]