Snoop Doggs Ban From Australia Relaxed

Posted on August 25, 2008

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Following being banned from entering Australia last year, they have since relaxed their decision slightly, by allowing Snoop Dogg to perform in their country. The Melbourne Sun stated that the Australian tour will take place in October, with immigrant officials granting Snoop a visa based on character grounds.

"A visa will be granted to enable a 17-day visit from October 21," a department spokesman told the paper. "His application has been approved on character grounds."

Snoop was also denied entry to the U.K. following an outbreak of arrests across the globe including an incident at London's Heathrow Airport.

"He has been denied entry into the United Kingdom because he was caught with others causing affray at Heathrow Airport. He doesn't seem the sort of bloke we want in this country," Australia's Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews said last year, after denying Snoop when he requested a visa to enter the country to attend the MTV Video Music Awards.

Family and support groups are protesting against Snoop's visit. "Snoop Dogg trades in toxic messages of menace, violence, misogyny and lawlessness," Angela Conway, of the Australian Family Association, said. "To add to the fire, he's actually had issues with firearms and drugs."

Noel McNamara, of Victims of Crime Assistance League, is expected to launch an official complaint to immigration authorities.

"What's wrong with these social engineers to let such a person into the country?" Mr McNamara said. "There is enough violence in the community without importing violent rappers from America."