Jedi Mind Tricks Met With Opposition for Homophobic Lyrics

Jedi Mind Tricks performed at Amsterdam's De Melkweg on Wednesday (Nov. 17), and were met with protest for what some deem as homophobic lyrics. The Netherlands-based gay rights group Cultuur en Ontspannings-Centrum, or Centre for Culture and Leisure, revealed that they would protest the Philadelphia group's appearance in the country, to continue its crackdown on prejudice.

"In a city like Amsterdam, where we are cracking down on discrimination and homophobia, a statement must be made against this kind of music," the C.O.C.'s Amsterdam office said. "The so-called apologies made on Wednesday are the band's apologies to the Melkweg for the commotion they caused. It was neither a gesture of goodwill towards the city of Amsterdam, nor to its many LGBT citizens."

Despite opposition to their appearance, promoters refused to cancel the concert, arguing that the group's controversial lyrics were from their earlier work and would more than likely not be performed. "Another consideration is that some lyrics date from their early days and have not been sung by the band for years," said a representative for the club.

The basis of the protest stems from the use of the word 'fag' and 'faggot.' During a performance at the 2007 Rock the Bells tour in San Francisco, JMT member Vinnie Paz spit a flow laced with the homosexual slurs directed at Kanye West. Although the group posted a link to a story regarding the protest on their Twitter page, they have yet to make a statement on the matter. Founded in 1946, the C.O.C. is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization in the world. According to its website, the C.O.C. has been instrumental in bringing about considerable social and legal changes for the gay community both in the Netherlands and abroad.