Eminem gets go-ahead on Australian visa

Rapper Eminem, notorious for his controversial lyrics that some critics find homophobic and misogynist, will be able to proceed with his Australian tour now that he has been granted a visa. According to Reuters, however, the visa is conditional; immigration minister Philip Ruddock stresses the “need to avoid vilifying or inciting discord in segments of the Australian community to the point where a potentially dangerous disturbance results” and expects the entertainer to have “respect for our multicultural society and values.” Ruddock adds, “Breach of these requirements could lead to visa cancellation.” The Australian Family Association, which was lobbying the Australian government to deny Eminem a visa due to his explicit lyrics and the use of a chain saw in his act, expressed disappointment and is now urging fans not to attend the concerts. Association national secretary Bill Meuhlenberg is aware, however, that “they will get access via radio and CDs, but this has become more of a symbolic gesture.” The states of Victoria and New South Wales are considering restricting access to the Eminem concerts to patrons 18 and older in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney, respectively. Boy George, always one with a quip when it comes to Eminem, was recently ambushed by jeering rap fans after attending a Missy Elliot show in the Brixton area of London. “As the rap community is homophobic,” George notes, “it would be good if Eminem were to say something different.”