Florida College Cancels Singing Group Concert Over ‘Sexuality’ Concerns

(CNN) — The debate rages on after a Florida college abruptly canceled a performance by a famous singing group because of at least one member’s sexuality.

The King’s Singers are a respected British a cappella ensemble with over 50 years of history. The all-male group performs a range of songs including pop, classical arrangements and sacred music.

The band says the February 11 concert at Pensacola Christian College has been canceled with “two hours’ notice” due to “concerns” about the “lifestyle” of our band members.”

“From the flood of correspondence from students and members of the public, it became clear to us that these concerns are related to the sexuality of our group members,” The group’s statement posted on social media reads:.

Pensacola Christian College, private independent Baptist institution, issued a statement with their argument.

“PCC has canceled a The King’s Singers concert after learning that one of the artists was openly living a life that is contrary to Scripture,” the statement said.

In the sexuality section of the school’s charter, it states: “We believe that God has commanded that sexual activity be permitted only to a man and a woman who are legally married to each other.” It goes on to say that Scripture forbids “sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bestiality, incest, and the use of pornography.”

The college also stated that the artists were “treated with dignity and respect when informed of the cancellation”.

The King’s Singers said they used to perform in college.

The controversy resonated both within and outside the small liberal arts college. The band’s fans and supporters questioned the PCC’s reasoning, mentioning college achievements in recent years works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Francis Poulenc, two titans of classical music, widely known for their romantic interests in men.

College supporters praised the commitment of the institution to his interpretation of the Bible, which he calls “the basis of our sincere convictions.”

On the PCC campus, this incident is still fresh in the minds of the students. One student told WEAR News that there have been “arguments and mini-protests” since then.

“I understand the college and their views,” the student said. “And I think they think they made the best decision for college. But I just don’t think it was morally right.”

CNN has reached out to The King’s Singers and Pensacola Christian College for additional comment.

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