Kali Malone was forced to cancel a performance this past weekend due to protests by a far-right Catholic fundamentalist group.
The show had been due to take place at the Church Saint-Cornély in the French town Carnac on Saturday (May 13). It was cancelled, however, after 32 people affiliated with Civitas, a movement that describes itself as a "traditionalist Catholic lobby group," launched a demonstration outside the 17th century church.
The show had been organised by Stephen O’Malley, who wrote on Instagram: "After an hour of unsuccessful negotiations, and faced with the risk of violence on the part of the integralists, the mayor of the town of Carnac decided to cancel the concert. The artist and the event production and technicians weren’t in the church at the time of the occupation, and were not part of the negotiation process."
Local newspaper Ouest-France reports that the protestors had launched their demonstration because they deemed Malone’s performance to be "profanatory." The newspaper added that those present brandished signs with slogans such as "electro in a church, what are our bishops doing?" and "my house is a house of prayer."
Speaking to Resident Advisor, Malone said: "It’s always with deep respect and honour which I enter churches to perform in, where I openly and kindly meet people of all faiths, so we can come together to present moving concerts of my music. We’re very sad that this happened on Saturday night.
"We’re grateful that my concert on Friday night at Saint-Cornély, on two chest organs and with the choir Macadam Ensemble, was a serene and successful performance. Thanks to Father Dominique le Quernec, Mayor Olivier Lepick of Carnac, and all of our team and partners for their unwavering support and trust. And thank you our wonderful and respectful audience for staying safe and peaceful in the face of these far-right integralists."
Civitas was formed in 1999, and has been deemed by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism to carry a message that is "anti-LGBTQ+" and "religious nationalist."
