Gaga lyrics edited for Malaysian radio
Source: Agencies |
March 18, 2011, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MALAYSIAN radio stations worry some lyrics in Lady Gaga's gay -anthem "Born This Way" are on the wrong track.
Broadcasters in this Muslim-majority nation have refused to play lines in the hit song that encourage public acceptance of gays, claiming -yesterday they are being cautious because the government forbids -offensive content.
Malaysians who tune in to popular stations hear edited versions of "Born This Way" that use indecipherable garble to replace the lyrics: "No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, -transgendered life, I'm on the right track, baby."
AMP Radio Networks, Malaysia's top private radio operator, said the precaution was due to government restrictions against songs that might violate "good taste or decency or (are) offensive to public feeling."
"The particular lyrics in 'Born This Way' may be considered as offensive when viewed against Malaysia's social and religious observances," the company said in a statement. "The issue of being gay, lesbian or (bisexual) is still considered as a 'taboo' by general Malaysians."
Broadcasters can face fines up of to 50,000 ringgit (US$16,000) and other penalties for breaking the rules.
Malaysian gay rights activist Pang Khee Teik criticized the broadcasters' decision, saying the media should be "a platform for marginalized voices and create understanding - not perpetuate ignorance and hate."
"Lady Gaga was attempting to address this very thing in her song. How dare they play that song and cut out its shining heart," said Pang, from Sexuality Independence, a Malaysian anti-discrimination arts movement.
Broadcasters in this Muslim-majority nation have refused to play lines in the hit song that encourage public acceptance of gays, claiming -yesterday they are being cautious because the government forbids -offensive content.
Malaysians who tune in to popular stations hear edited versions of "Born This Way" that use indecipherable garble to replace the lyrics: "No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, -transgendered life, I'm on the right track, baby."
AMP Radio Networks, Malaysia's top private radio operator, said the precaution was due to government restrictions against songs that might violate "good taste or decency or (are) offensive to public feeling."
"The particular lyrics in 'Born This Way' may be considered as offensive when viewed against Malaysia's social and religious observances," the company said in a statement. "The issue of being gay, lesbian or (bisexual) is still considered as a 'taboo' by general Malaysians."
Broadcasters can face fines up of to 50,000 ringgit (US$16,000) and other penalties for breaking the rules.
Malaysian gay rights activist Pang Khee Teik criticized the broadcasters' decision, saying the media should be "a platform for marginalized voices and create understanding - not perpetuate ignorance and hate."
"Lady Gaga was attempting to address this very thing in her song. How dare they play that song and cut out its shining heart," said Pang, from Sexuality Independence, a Malaysian anti-discrimination arts movement.
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