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  • Top 104 of '06

Jamaica was the topic of hot discussion on doughty.gdbtv.com. Among the topics looked at were, 'Is Jamaica the most homophobic country in the world?', 'Does Jamaican reggae/dancehall murder music contribute to anti-Gay violence?', 'Should concerts by murder music singers be canceled?'

Examining these questions were Stop Murder Music campaigners, Dennis Carney of the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group, and Brett Lock of the Gay human rights group OutRage!

There were eight leading dancehall artistes in the hot seat among them were Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man who the group claimed have released songs openly advocating, encouraging and glorifying the murder of queers. They have never apologized or expressed a word of regret. On the contrary, they have defended their exhortations to "kill queers."

In an article written by Peter Tatchell, he didn't hold back any punches as he claimed the issue is not about mere homophobia. According to him it concerns incitement to murder.

"Many Gay and straight Jamaicans argue that lyrics urging the killing of queers may not create homophobia and queer-bashing attacks, but that these lyrics do help legitimate and encourage them. When homophobic violence is extolled by big-name reggae super stars it
fuels and reinforces anti-Gay hatred. This hatred is the precondition of, and the gateway to, homophobic discrimination, harassment and violence. The murder music of these reggae icons leads some young men to believe that it is cool and acceptable to bash Lesbian and Gay people. It gives them license. It feeds their homophobic machismo," Tatchell argued.

Tatchell in his article also lashed out at the government, "The murder music singers are not the only culprits. The Jamaican government and police are notorious for their inaction against homophobic violence. According to Jamaican law, inciting violence and murder is a criminal offense. Why aren't these artists being prosecuted?"

He ended the article by claiming the fight would not stop until gay violence is ended and all gay Jamaicans can walk about in peace.