BY RICHARD JOHNSON
The event, which will be its second staging, is scheduled for September 5.
According to a release from John Fortuno — president of the Edmonton Reggae Festival Society — a meeting was held between the organizers of the festival, and members of the Queer, Black and Caribbean community and the Pride Center of Edmonton.
The organizer said while they recognize the artistic expression of various themes in music and lyrics, the festival is a family event and, therefore, is asking artists to agree to a number of restrictions.
“No profanity and/or explicit lyrics are allowed within any portion of the show/performance. Such behavior will not be accepted from performers. Any such behavior will result in a Cd$1,000 fine, and the festival reserves the right to end the performance,” the statement read in part.
“No defamation of character or group is to be tolerated. This includes defamation on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference/lifestyle economic status, etc. Any such lyrics or speech used by an artist will result in a Cd$5,000 fine,” the release continued.
Last week, the festival broadcast sponsors 95.7 Cruz FM and Hot 107 radio stations withdrew support to show solidarity with gay lobbyists who were protesting against Jamaican artists inclusion.
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