Lebanon Ban Lady Gaga’s New Album

Published : June 08, 2011 :: 15:06:21 [ 3,721 views ]

Lady Gaga’s new album – “Born This Way” – has reportedly been banned by Lebanese officials who have deemed it “offensive to Christianity”. All copies of the controversial singers latest release have been confiscated by authorities in Lebanon as well as the single, Judas, being banned from Lebanese radio back in April

The new album, which is currently No. 1 in multiple countries worldwide has faced heavy criticism from religious groups since its release and sparked fierce protest over its “immorality” and religious references.

Boxes of “Born This Way” were impounded by Lebanon’s office of general security last week as they were flown into Beirut international airport.

Justification for the ban falls under article 75 of Lebanon’s law for distribution of print media: “Distributors are prohibited from circulating media that diverges from public decency and morality, or is at odds with nationalistic or religious beliefs.”

Over 20% of Lebanon’s population is made up Maronite Catholics as well as officially recognizing 18 religions in total across the country, including five different Catholic sects.

The hit single, Judas, sparked significant controversy among Christian groups as the video portrayed the American pop star dancing with biker-gang versions of the disciples and flirting with Jesus. “If they are going to offend us we are going to cancel the album,” raged Father Abdo Abu Kassam, director of Lebanon’s Catholic Information Centre. “We will not accept that anyone insult the Virgin Mary or Jesus or Christianity… Call us traditional, call us backward, call us whatever you want. We will not accept it.”
Although the album’s ban comes as a victory to the offended Catholic church, Lebanon’s information ministry still insists that it “is, and always has been, against all forms of censorship.”

The case brings back memories of the animated film, Persepolis, which was banned after accusations that it was “offensive to Iran and Islam.” Information minister, Tarek Mitri, worked to lift the ban on the film but final ruling on these matters is made by the office of general security.

“Lady Gaga has a huge fan base in Lebanon,” said Fady Masoud, senior music supervisor at Beirut’s Virgin Megastore. “We care that this CD be released because it will produce great revenue.”

Written by : Kyle Pala