By Liz Farmer
The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS — The chairman of the Dallas Police Association said it was considering joining a national law enforcement boycott of Beyoncé’s world tour, but the group’s president said Saturday evening it would stay out of it.
The Miami Fraternal Order of Police suggested the boycott Thursday before the tour kicks off at Marlins Park, according to CNN.
Critics took issue with Beyoncé soon after she the release of her “ and Feb. 7 Super Bowl 50 halftime show.
The video and the performance highlighted the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and the backup dancers at the Super Bowl wore Black Panther-inspired outfits.
Frederick Frazier, chairman of the Dallas Police Association’s Political Action Committee, said the association might join the boycott, according to CNN.
“We are very happy that our brothers and sisters in blue are boycotting anyone who tarnishes the image of law enforcement,” he said. “And when she comes to Dallas, she needs to know that the anti-police message is not welcomed. We respect anyone’s First Amendment rights, but we also respect our officers and any law-abiding citizens [and] we will not respect those who tarnish our profession.”
But hours later the association’s president said no formal boycott is planned.
“While many Arlington officers will most certainly decide against working security for Beyonce’s May concert in their city, calling for a boycott is not the official position of the Dallas Police Association,” Ron Pinkston said in a written statement. “We are appalled at her attack on law enforcement during her Super Bowl performance, but our only focus at this time is reducing the recent 27% surge in violent crime in Dallas.”
Copyright 2016 The Dallas Morning News