Kneecap barred from entering Canada, October concerts canceled

Irish rap trio Kneecap have been deemed ineligible to enter Canada, a move announced this week by Vince Gasparro, the government’s parliamentary secretary for combating crime, effectively canceling the group’s planned October concerts in Toronto and Vancouver. Gasparro said in a video posted on social media that officials advised the government the band had engaged in actions and statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws and had caused deep alarm, and he added that the decision was effective immediately.

Gasparro accused the Belfast-based group of amplifying political violence, publicly displaying support for organizations designated as terrorist groups in Canada such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and displaying hate symbols that target the Jewish community. “These are not expressions of art or legitimate political critique,” he said. “They are dangerous endorsements of violence and hate.” His office framed the ban as consistent with Canadian law, which protects criticism of foreign governments but does not protect advocacy of political violence, glorification of terrorist organizations or the display of hate symbols.

Kneecap, made up of members who perform under the...