Canadian authorities have yet to clarify whether they will permit entry to two musical groups from the United Kingdom and Ireland, both of whom are facing scrutiny over recent performances deemed inflammatory.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) has formally requested that Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Immigration Minister Lena Diab deny entry to Irish rap group Kneecap and English punk-rap duo Bob Vylan. The call follows incidents that occurred during the Glastonbury music festival in late June.
In a letter addressed to federal officials, David Cooper, CIJA’s vice-president of government relations, urged a review of the performers’ eligibility to enter Canada, citing concerns related to hate speech legislation.
Footage from the Glastonbury event prompted Avon and Somerset Police in the U.K. to open a criminal investigation. During their set, Bob Vylan led the crowd in a chant of “death to the IDF,” referencing Israel’s military. Meanwhile, a member of Kneecap had previously faced legal action after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during an earlier appearance.
CIJA argues that these actions are inconsistent with Canadian values and may violate domestic hate speech laws. The organization is also mobilizing its supporters to petition the government to prevent the artists from entering the country.
“Permitting performers who endorse violence or promote hatred to appear on Canadian stages would send a troubling message,” Cooper wrote.
Kneecap is slated to perform in Toronto and Vancouver this October.
South of the border, U.S. authorities have already acted. On June 30, the State Department revoked Bob Vylan‘s visas. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on social media that the move was in response to the group’s “hateful tirade” at Glastonbury.
“Those who promote violence and hatred have no place as visitors in our country,” he stated.
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather endorsed the U.S. decision and urged Canadian officials to take similar steps. He confirmed he had raised the matter directly with Public Safety Minister Anandasangaree.
“Neither of these groups should be allowed entry. There’s no ambiguity here,” Housefather said, emphasizing the need to prevent potential incitement of hatred on Canadian soil.
The issue has also drawn attention from a coalition of Indigenous leaders affiliated with the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem. On Sunday, the group appealed to event organizers, including Live Nation and MRG Group, to cancel Kneecap‘s scheduled performances.
They claimed that hosting the group would breach peace agreements signed by Indigenous communities and would represent a celebration of extremism and hate.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Minister Diab cited privacy legislation, explaining that the government cannot comment on individual immigration matters. Matthew Krupovich, speaking on behalf of the Immigration Department, noted that all applicants are assessed individually under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Reasons for denial may include security concerns, human rights issues, or criminal histories.
As of now, CIJA reports it has not received any formal response from Canadian officials, leaving open the question of whether existing laws will be enforced to block individuals seen as promoting violence or hatred from entering the country.
