sammy said:
Story is most likely fake, the gays have been trying to show this image of Jamaica being gay friendly lately. You might soon hear those artist saying they didn't sign any contract.
Evidence bredren...evidence.
THE REGGAE COMPASSIONATE ACT'
We, the artists of the Reggae community, hereby present this letter as a symbol of our dedication to the guiding principles of Reggae's enduring foundation ONE LOVE. Throughout time, Reggae has been recognized as a healing remedy and an agent of positive socialchange.
We will continue this proud and righteous tradition.
Reggae Artists and their music have fought against injustices, inequalities, poverty and violence even while enduring some of those same circumstances themselves. Over the years, reggae music has become popularized and enjoyed by an unprecedented audience all over the world. Artists of the Reggae Community respect and uphold the rights of all individuals to live without fear of reprisals due to religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or gender.
While we recognize that our artistic community comprises many different individuals who express themselves in different ways and hold a myriad of beliefs, we believe firmly that the way forward lies in tolerance. Everyone can keep his own conviction and we must receive respect for our freedom of speech as far as we respect the law, but it must be clear there's no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence or homophobia.
We do not encourage nor minister to HATE but rather uphold a philosophy of *LOVE,* *RESPECT *and* UNDERSTANDING* towards all human beings as the cornerstone of reggae music.
This Compassionate Act is hereby calling on a return to the following principles as the guiding vision for the future of a healthy Reggae music community:
* Positive Vibrations
* Consciousness raising
* Social and Civic Engagement
* Democracy and Freedom
* Peace
* Mother Nature
* Equal Rights and Justice
* One Love
* Individual Rights
* Humanity
We, as artists, are committed to a holistic and healthy existence in the world and respect to the utmost the human and natural world. We pledge that our music will continue to contribute positively to the world dialogue on peace and justice for all.
To this end we agree not to perform any music or lyrics that is directed towards anyone or anything, that may be called an incitement to kill anyone from any community, or goes against the laws of the country we are to perform.
*ONE LOVE*
11 May 2007
I am writing on behalf of the Stop Murder Music Campaign.
We regard this statement as a important reaffirmation of the humanitarian and liberation principles that inspired the early reggae pioneers - the desire for a peaceful, just and hate-free world.
The Reggae Compassionate Statement's rejection of racism, homophobia and sexism is an important milestone. We rejoice at its commitment to music without prejudice.
We are delighted that the Reggae Compassionate Statement* has been signed by Beenie Man, Capleton and Sizzla. Their disavowal of homophobia and other prejudices is a very welcome move. Although some artists did not stick to previous agreements, we accept that these three singers want to move on and put homophobia behind them.
By signing the Reggae Compassionate Statement they are stating that, in future, they will not release new homophobic songs or authorise the re-release of previous homophobic songs. Moreover, they also agree that they will not make homophobic public statements.*In other words, they recognise that prejudice, hate and violence have no place in music – that singers should unite not divide, and uplift not put down, people of all races and sexualities.
This agreement applies throughout the world – not just in Europe and the US, but also in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
If these three singers abide by their signed statements to avoid homophobic words and lyrics worldwide, we have no objections to their concerts going ahead. We will call off the campaign to cancel their concerts, and advise all our constituent and allied groups around the world to do the same.
We will review this decision in six months time, with a commitment to making it a permanent end to the campaign against these three singers. So long as they stick to the agreement, we will honour our commitment to halt the campaign against them.
We hope that the other five "murder music" singers - Elephant Man, TOK, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton - will also soon sign the Reggae Compassionate Statement. When they do so, we will also call off the campaign against their concerts. Until that time, the campaign against them will continue.
We hold out the hand of reconciliation and friendship to all these singers. We are ready to put the past behind us. We hope they are too; in which case, their careers will flourish with our approval and support.
It is our belief that the struggle for black freedom, women's freedom and gay freedom are different aspects of the same struggle for universal human rights. Racism, misogyny and homophobia are triple evils that must be challenged and defeated, so that all people on this planet - including in the Caribbean - can live their lives free from abuse, threats, discrimination and violence.
United we stand, divided we fall!
Peter Tatchell and Dennis Carney