Taiwanese Singer A-Mei's "Rainbow" Song Banned at Recent Festival

Ms Janice Koh asked Minister for Communications and Information (a) what were the reasons for prohibiting A-Mei's song "Rainbow" from being performed at the recent Spring Wave Music and Art Festival; (b) based on existing classification guidelines, why is the song now deemed objectionable when it was reported that the song was previously permitted; (c) whether a consumer advisory was considered for the ticketed event as an alternative to prohibition; and (d) does the prohibition imply that the song should be banned from broadcast on radio and public spaces.

The content of the song, "Rainbow", by Taiwanese singer, A-Mei does not in itself breach the MDA's content guidelines. The lyrics, which describe how the singer overcomes a failed relationship with the support of her friend, do not contain mature content when read on their own. There is therefore no issue with the song being played on radio and in public spaces.

In January 2013, MDA had licensed A-Mei's indoor concert under a General rating. When A-Mei performed the song "Rainbow" at the concert, she encouraged her fans to openly show affection for their same-sex partners. The camera had projected couples in the audience, including those of the same sex, kissing on the big screen. Taken as a whole, this segment of the show promoted a pro-LGBT message. If information on how this song was to be performed had been provided to MDA at the point of licensing, the song could still be performed, but the concert would have been given an Advisory rating for mature content.

For the 2014 Spring Wave concert which was held outdoors, MDA had received the licence application just a few days before the event. Outdoor performances are typically restricted to the General rating. This is to ensure the suitability of their content for all ages, since passers-by may inadvertently chance upon the performances. MDA advised the event organiser that based on past performances of the song "Rainbow" by A-Mei, its inclusion would cause the concert to exceed a General rating. The organiser then decided not to include the song in the line-up.

Page: 97