Mayor proposes boycott of Marilyn Manson show

MINNEAPOLIS (CNN) -- Responding to hundreds of complaints, Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton has suggested that detractors consider boycotting Friday's scheduled concert by shock-rocker Marilyn Manson. Many parents and community groups want the Manson show canceled because of what they say may have been Manson's appeal to the two students who opened fire at a Littleton, Colorado high school last week.

"Manson's message, which targets youth, is one of destruction, hopelessness and violence," says Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota Family Council. "It preys on vulnerable youth and may be just what causes some to take action."

Mayor Belton says hundreds of people have called her office to protest the show. "If you are opposed to Marilyn Manson, assume your parental responsibility and don't let your child attend the concert," she says. "An empty house ... is the best way to discourage future concerts of this genre in our community."

Manson was scheduled to headline a show in Denver last Friday, but the event was canceled by the sponsor, a radio station. Manson has released a statement condemning the April 20 violence at Columbine High School, and offering his condolences to the victims' families.