Malaysia Probits Muslims From Attending Black Eyed Peas Concert

Musicians can’t always do what they want, especially when the locations they are getting paid to play at have strict rules.

The Black Eyed Peas are on top of the charts with their hits, “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling” and are currently on tour in  support of their album, The E.N.D. However, they may be having a little trouble dealing with their audience for an upcoming show next month.

The problem specifically takes place in Malaysia, where they will be stopping by for a show that is sponsored by Irish beer company, Guinness. Although the concert is still open, both the musicians and fans are restricted to a couple of rules.

First off, because a majority of the Malaysian population is Muslim – and Muslims in Malaysia are governed by Shariah or Islamic law, which forbids the consumption of alcohol – the Black Eyed Peas are not allowed to advertise any sign of the beer their sponsor.

Secondly, the concert will still go on but ticket buyers are significantly reduced because only non-Muslims can attend the concert. All Muslims – which is 60% of the 28 million population – are barred from attending the event. In fact, an official at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture told The Associated Press: “Muslims cannot attend. Non-Muslims can go and have fun.”

If you think this rule won’t be taken serious, think again. The Associated Press also reports “A Muslim woman who drank beer in public was sentenced to caning by an Islamic court last month, though authorities this week agreed to review the penalty.”

Artists such as Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne have been forced to wear clothing that shows little skin in the past because of protests over immodest clothing. What else will The Black Eyed Peas be forced to do?

Sometimes even superstars are reprimanded. Sales differ in countries where religion and law also severely coincide.