Beenie Man backs homosexuals

Yahoo! Music, Jun 13, 2007 7:00 pm PDT
Beenie Man and Sizzla are among the reggae acts to sign a deal welcoming all people to enjoy their music without fear of violence.

The agreement has been struck through the pioneering work of gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell and his Stop Murder Music campaign.

However, although a number of outspoken stars have backed the Reggae Compassionate Act, a string of others have not.

The act states they "respect and uphold the rights of all individuals to live without violence due to their religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or gender.

"There's no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence, sexism or homophobia.

"We agree not to make statements of perform songs that incite hatred or violence against anyone from any community," it says.

Tatchell has welcomed the news, although he says the campaign against Elephant Man, TOK, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel, and Buju Banton, who have not come on board, continues.

He commented: "The Reggae Compassionate Act is a big breakthrough. The singers' rejection of homophobia and sexism is an important milestone. We rejoice at their new commitment to music without prejudice. Having these major reggae stars renounce homophobia will influence their fans and the wider public to rethink bigoted attitudes."

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