I think the thread has moved away from the original issue but the discussion is still as interesting. Looking at the original posting and link it does look like there has been a big misunderstanding. Whether the festival book him or not is up to them. The reasons for booking or not booking are multitudal without resorting to accusations of either 'side' (in quotes because at the end they are both on the same one!) making political statements.

As to the pro/anti abortion issue. My views are indeed irrelevant as I have never been in that situation. My opinion is that abortion should be a last resort but, if I was in that position, I would try to support my female counterpart, be it partner, daughter, friend or whatever, in whatever choice they made. I would hope that I could offer them a number of valid choices so that they would not feel that a termination is the only answer but, at the end of the day, if they chose that route I would help and support them.

Vin does have much stronger views 'against' from what I understand. I do like Vin's performances very much. I must disagree with Diane on that score - His guitar work and vocals are as good as his whistle playing and he sings with a passion that very few other performers can muster. That is of course my personal taste and I accept it does not co-incide with some other.

A very small portion of his songs however are anti-abortion and, in my opinion, he should be very careful where he sings them. I would hate my theoretical partner, as detailed above, to have just gone through the trauma of an abortion to then be faced with him singing Little Innocents. They will have just gone through a major and soul-searching, irreversible decision and I cannot see how being told that they were wrong would possibly make them feel better about themselves!

If he stuck to singing this controversial work at Life or SPUC rallies - fine. Just as sexist songs should not be given a general airing or the Red Flag should not be sung at the Tory conference these particular horses should indeed stick to their own specialist courses. I am not suggesting censorship or blanket bans. What people get up to in the comapany of like minded individuals is up to them, provided it is legal. All I ask is that people, including Vin, use a bit of common sense in where they introduce material that could be offensive.

Rant off.

Cheers

Dave