Canadian Advocates Condemn Ottawa’s Ban on Irish Hip-Hop Group Kneecap
A group of advocates based in Canada has expressed shock and dismay over Ottawa’s decision to prohibit Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap from entering the country. This decision has resulted in the cancellation of the rap group’s upcoming shows in Vancouver and Toronto.
Deirdre Cahill, a spokesperson for Toronto’s Irish4Palestine, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I never imagined a Canada where our freedom of expression would be under attack like this. It’s a dangerous path towards fascism.”
The Liberal government announced on Friday that Kneecap is banned from Canada, alleging that the Belfast rap group promotes political violence and shows support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Liberal MP Vince Gasparro, speaking on behalf of the government, emphasized the importance of protecting all Canadians, particularly Jewish Canadians, from anti-Semitism and hate.
In response, Kneecap refuted the allegations, calling them “completely false and malicious.” The group believes it is being silenced due to its opposition to what they describe as a genocide by Israel.
Kneecap stated that it will take legal action against the Canadian government and pledged to donate any funds won in court to support child amputees in Gaza.
Deirdre Cahill raised concerns about the broader implications of Ottawa’s decision, questioning what future repercussions could arise if a music group is banned solely for their political beliefs.
Describing Kneecap as mainstream headliners who challenge boundaries with their anarchic energy and pro-Irish republican themes, Cahill defended the group’s use of satire and music to rejuvenate Irish culture for a new audience.
Despite one member of the band facing terrorism charges in the U.K., Kneecap asserts that none of its members has ever been convicted of a crime in any country.
The rap group was scheduled to perform at Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre on October 22 and 23.