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Malaysia Islamists Not Entertained By Adam Lambert
Malaysia’s Islamist opposition party sure picked an insensitive day to protest Adam Lambert’s upcoming concert. Along with Columbus Day, today marks the internationally observed National Coming Out Day.
After finishing in second place on the eighth season of “American Idol,” the singer publicly confirmed he was gay with a June 2009 Rolling Stone cover story.
Lambert is set to perform Oct. 14 at the Putra Stadium in Malaysia’s Kuala Lampur.
The Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has a problem with the show because they say the performance will promote “gay culture.” Reuters notes that homosexual sex is a criminal offense in Malaysia, which is a mainly Muslim country.
Photo: Greg Allen / GregAllenPhotos.com
Nokia Theatre Times Square, New York City
“Adam Lambert’s shows… are outrageous, with lewd dancing and a gay performance that includes kissing male dancers, this is not good for people in our country,” said PAS Youth leader Nasrudin Hasan.
A party official said the group will call “as many of its members and supporters” to proselytize to concert-goers if Lambert’s show goes on as scheduled.
With nearly a million members, PAS is Malaysia’s second-largest political party. The group has protested previous concerts by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne and Mariah Carey.
Lambert made headlines in November 2009 after he kissed a male keyboardist during his performance on the “American Music Awards,” which aired on ABC. The Associated Press noted that he also “fondled a dancer and had another dancer briefly stuff his face in Lambert’s crotch.” After receiving about 1,500 complaints, ABC canceled his performance on “Good Morning America,” which was set for later that week. CBS invited him to perform on “The Early Show” instead.
Lambert released his debut studio album, For Your Entertainment, last year.
On Tuesday he’s set to play China followed by gigs in New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii. In November Lambert heads for Europe with shows lined up in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Click here for Adam Lambert’s official website.
Click here for the Reuters story.