Lady Gaga has been censored on Malaysian radio stations due to concern Gaga's gay anthem "Born This Way" encourages public acceptance of homosexuals. Malaysian broadcasters said Thursday they're being cautious due to government restrictions against songs that might violate "good taste or decency or (are) offensive to public feeling."
Listeners can still hear most of the Gaga track if they tune in. Radio stations have edited the song to replace the offensive lyrics with garble.
The lyrics in question are: "No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track, baby."
"The particular lyrics in 'Born This Way' may be considered as offensive when viewed against Malaysia's social and religious observances," AMP Radio Networks said in a statement to The Associated Press.
"The issue of being gay, lesbian or (bisexual) is still considered as a 'taboo' by general Malaysians."
Broadcasters can face fines up of to 50,000 ringgit ($16,000) and other penalties for breaking the rules.
"Lady Gaga was attempting to address this very thing in her song. How dare they play that song and cut out its shining heart," said Pang Khee Teik , the co-founder of Sexuality Independence, a Malaysian anti-discrimination arts movement.
"We just want the same thing as everyone else: to love, be loved and have our songs played on the radio."
Lady Gaga Censored in Malaysia
Mar 17, 2011, 17:32