Not clear if Canada will deny entry to British, Irish rappers

Under pressure from U.S. officials, and Canadian community groups, Canada's immigration minister has not said whether they would ban two music groups from entering the country.

A prominent Jewish organization is pushing for Canada to deny entry to two bands being investigated in the U.K. after their appearance at a popular British music festival last month.

In late June, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs asked the ministers of public safety and immigration to bar Irish rap group Kneecap and English punk rap duo Bob Vylan.

“I respectfully urge your offices to review the admissibility of the individuals involved with Kneecap and Bob Vylan and to assess whether their presence in Canada aligns with our country’s legislation around hate speech,” vice-president of government relations David Cooper wrote in a letter to the ministers.

Avon and Somerset Police launched a criminal probe after reviewing video footage of their performances at the Glastonbury festival in the U.K. on June 25.

Bob Vylan led a chant of “death to the IDF,” in reference to Israel’s military, at the Glastonbury Festival. One member of Kneecap had previously been charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at an earlier performance.

CIJA says those incidents violate “Canadian hate speech laws” and contradict “our core values.” It’s urging supporters to write to the government in support of the ban.

In his letter to the government, Cooper said allowing “performers who glorify terrorism or incite hatred to enter Canada and perform here would send a deeply troubling signal.”

Kneecap is scheduled to play in Toronto and Vancouver in October.