diff --git a/lib/authorizationplugin.php b/lib/authorizationplugin.php
index 733b0c0656..07da9b2d12 100644
--- a/lib/authorizationplugin.php
+++ b/lib/authorizationplugin.php
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ abstract class AuthorizationPlugin extends Plugin
     }
 
     function onStartSetApiUser(&$user) {
-        return $this->onStartSetUser(&$user);
+        return $this->onStartSetUser($user);
     }
 
     function onStartHasRole($profile, $name, &$has_role) {