Malaysian Radio Garbles Gay Lyrics in Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’

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We know that Lady Gaga was born this way, but she certainly wasn’t meant to be heard this way.

Radio stations in Malaysia have made the decision to alter the lyrics in her hit song “Born This Way” that encourage the public acceptance of gays. They’re justifying the move by claiming the caution is due to the fact that Malaysia’s government forbids what it perceives as offensive content.

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To that end, instead of listeners hearing “No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby,” they’re treated to indecipherable garble because, in the words of AMP Radio Networks (the country’s main private radio operator) “Born This Way” might violate, “good taste or decency or (are) offensive to public feeling.”

Broadcasters can face fines up of to $16,000 (as well as other penalties) for breaking the rules and AMP said that “the issue of being gay, lesbian or (bisexual) is still considered as a “taboo” by many Malaysians.” Not so, said Malaysian gay rights activist Pang Khee Teik, who criticized the broadcasters’ decision. He believes the media should be “a platform for marginalized voices and create understanding — not perpetuate ignorance and hate.”

How will Lady Gaga react to the garbling? She’s spoken out before against gay rights and will surely not let this lie low. And while NewsFeed doesn’t want to come across as flippant, it does seem a shame that with so much terrible music out there (hello Rebecca Black!), there’s plenty of justification in garbling lyrics, but never for reasons of sexuality. (via AP)

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