Louisiana lawmakers and advocates are calling on the organizers of Tremendous Bowl LIX to make sure that group decency requirements are noticed on this yr’s halftime present in mild of considerations about what they are saying had been “vile” performances delivered prior to now.
The letter, revealed final month, was signed by 17 Republican members of the GOP-controlled Louisiana Legislature and leaders of religion teams and church buildings, together with Tony Perkins of the Christian conservative advocacy group Household Analysis Council.
The correspondence was addressed to Phillip Sherman of the Larger New Orleans Sports activities Basis and Robert Vosbien of the Louisiana Stadium and Expo District.
Get Our Newest Information for FREE
Subscribe to get every day/weekly e mail with the highest tales (plus particular gives!) from The Christian Put up. Be the primary to know.
With Tremendous Bowl LIX scheduled to happen at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans this Sunday, the letter notes that $10 million in state taxpayer {dollars} was taken from the Louisiana State Main Occasions Incentive Fund to assist pay for “financial improvement initiatives associated to Tremendous Bowl LIX.”
The letter contends that “taxpayers definitely have ‘pores and skin within the sport.'”
The signatories requested the organizers to make sure that the conduct of singers who carry out on the halftime present “adheres to Louisiana’s group decency requirements” and gives leisure that the entire household can take pleasure in.
“Whereas definitely a considerable amount of assist exists amongst many Louisianians who’re excited in regards to the Tremendous Bowl coming again to New Orleans, many are additionally hardworking taxpayers with youngsters who’ve severe considerations about the truth that previous Tremendous Bowl halftime performances have been lower than family-friendly,” the letter acknowledged.
The letter cited Jennifer Lopez’s halftime efficiency at Tremendous Bowl LIV in 2020. The singer “wore little clothes and was groped by female and male dancers on stage,” made “sexually suggestive gestures” and danced on a stripper pole. The efficiency led to over 1,300 complaints being filed with the Federal Communications Fee.
The letter additionally factors to the halftime present at Tremendous Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, the place Janet Jackson’s breast was uncovered in what others described as a “wardrobe malfunction.”
“Had that 2004 efficiency taken place in Louisiana and been confirmed to be intentional, it will have violated Louisiana’s obscenity regulation (R.S. 14:106) which prohibits such public publicity,” the letter mentioned. “On the 2023 halftime present, performer Rihanna was proven groping herself whereas she sang track lyrics that had been so offensive that few Louisiana adults might learn these lyrics earlier than an viewers with out disgrace.”
“In Louisiana, these lewd acts are inappropriate for viewing by youngsters, objectify girls, and are merely NOT welcomed by nearly all of Louisiana mother and father,” the letter provides.
“Contemplating the more and more vile halftime performances at previous Tremendous Bowls, it may be fairly anticipated that the halftime efficiency this yr in New Orleans might be inappropriate for youngsters to look at.”
After urging the letter’s recipients, who had been appointed to their positions by the state’s governor,” to make use of no matter means are at your disposal to make sure that this yr’s Tremendous Bowl halftime occasion is as household pleasant as potential.”
Rapper Kendrick Lamar, who has been outspoken about his Christian religion prior to now, is slated to carry out at this yr’s halftime present. Tremendous Bowl LIX might be a face-off between the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
A victory by the Chiefs would make 2025 the third consecutive yr the group has gained a Tremendous Bowl. If the Eagles win, it will mark their first victory since Tremendous Bowl LII in 2018.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Put up. He might be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
