Jordan has lifted a ban on a performance by a popular Lebanese rock band imposed amid claims the group’s songs promoting religious and sexual freedom violated local customs and religious beliefs.
Mashrou’ Leila, a five-piece from Beirut with a gay lead singer, were banned on Wednesday from playing a gig in Amman scheduled for Friday.
The group’s detractors apparently included both Christian and Muslim clerics and officials. The ban sparked criticism of Jordan, which presents itself as an island of relative tolerance in a turbulent region where religious fundamentalism is on the rise.
But Khalid Abu Zeid, a regional politician who initially announced the ban, said in a new statement: “We don’t mind if this concert takes place.” He did not elaborate.
Mashrou’ Leila formed in 2008 at the American University of Beirut and have released four albums. The singer Hamed Sinno, 28, has actively fought for LGBT rights in the Middle East.
In a statement on Wednesday the band said: “We … 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.”
The band said on Friday that the reversal came too late for the Amman show to take place.
Associated Press contributed to this report
