Morocco: Elton John Must Go On

Despite calls from some religious conservatives to cancel an appearance by Elton John, Moroccan music festival organizers say gay singer Elton John will headline their show this week.

According to Reuters, "Allowing the British singer and songwriter to perform at the Mawazine World Rhythms festival in the capital Rabat would tarnish the image of the north African kingdom, say powerful opposition Islamists."

However, festival director Aziz Daki said that the singer would be welcomed.

"The private life of a singer is not our business," he told Reuters. "We do not invite singers and artists after assessing their private lives."

The festival, which enjoys the support of the country's King Mohammed, presents artists from 50 countries.

Earlier this month, Elton John was barred from performing at a private concert in Egypt. The controversy stemmed in part from the singer's remarks to Parade magazine that Jesus was a gay man, in which he also criticized Muslim countries' treatment of gay people.