Story highlights Jordanian lawmakers launched petition in protest over frontman's sexuality

Band does not represent "Jordan's values," Jordanian MP tells CNN

Abu Dhabi, UAE (CNN) A popular Lebanese rock band has been barred from performing a concert in Jordan after lawmakers objected to the lead singer's sexuality, a Jordanian politician told CNN.

Jordan's Interior Ministry canceled the Mashrou' Leila gig, which was scheduled to take place in Amman later this month, following a petition from members of Jordanian Parliament and a widespread local media campaign protesting the concert.

Interior Minister Ghaleb Al Zobi could not be reached for comment, but Tourism Minister Lina Annab confirmed that the cancellation order was issued due to opposition "that could not be ignored." The Tourism Ministry had initially approved the performance, listing itself as one of the event's "strategic partners."

Hamed Sinno, an Arab-American and the band's frontman and main lyricist, openly identifies as queer. Jordanian MP Dima Tahboub told CNN Thursday that this was "exactly" the reason why she and a number of Jordanian MPs called on the Interior Ministry to cancel the concert.

"Most of the Jordanian people had a firm say on not hosting such a band in Jordan," Tahboub said, adding that the band's opinions and lyrics about sexuality were "against the religion and norms of the country."

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