BARANQUILLA, Colombia – In a statement issued today, Lalexpo organizer Anthony Rivera announced that the event planned for June 12-15 in Baranquilla, Colombia has been cancelled. In his statement, Rivera said the denial of necessary permits by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office had forced the cancellation of the event.

Rivera characterized the Mayor’s Office decision as a purely political move that “ignores our rights, sets a very bad precedent, puts our right to work at risk and affects the dignity of thousands of people who daily derive their livelihood from this business.”

Rivera added that it is “false, as has come out in some media, that we did not comply with the legal requirements to obtain the necessary approval for its realization.”

The cancellation of the event comes less than two weeks after Lalexpo announced a change in venue city from Cartegena to Baranquilla – another move forced on Lalexpo by local politics, Rivera suggested in his statement.

“The adult entertainment industry is not only legal and duly approved by Colombian regulations, but its rights have been recognized in several Constitutional Court rulings,” Rivera noted in his statement. “With the measure taken by the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, like that of Cartagena a few weeks ago, an obvious discrimination is being generated and fundamental rights that we as a society cannot ignore are being violated.”

Rivera added that it is “incredible that for the Nation, as well as for the territorial entities, we are legal to pay taxes, but we do not have the right to organize our annual Expo.”

“Together with the legal team, we are evaluating different measures aimed at protecting the industry and the rights of more than 150,000 people,” Rivera said.

Further explaining the decision to move the event to Barranquilla, Rivera said that move was made because “among other reasons, because the mayor, from the first moment, offered all the necessary guarantees for the development of the event.”

“As was evident in his various interventions in the media, there was a public support for the Expo that we never imagined would be withdrawn,” Rivera said. “As you can imagine, the cancellation first in Cartagena and now in Barranquilla, has a profound economic impact that we as organizers must assume.”

“I want to invite you so that, through social networks, the media and even on the street, we can raise our voice of protest, defend the rights we have as an industry and show the need for the country and Colombian society to evolve and leave that double standard that is hurting us,” Rivera added. “From my position I will continue to work tirelessly for the industry, its formalization, legality and recognition as an axis of economic development in our country.”

Rivera said the Lalexpo team “deeply regret the effects this decision may have on your travel plans.”

Those who have questions, concerns or comments can contact Lalexpo at info@lalexpo.com for assistance.