NEW YORK REGGAE CONCERT CANCELLED AFTER GAY PROTESTS

The organisers of a proposed HIV/AIDS awareness concert in New York City have scrapped the show following protests from outraged gay groups, who discovered Jamaican artists BEENIE MAN and TOK had signed up to appear.



Promoters LIFEbeat were hit with a barrage of criticism at their inclusion of the reggae singer and band, because they are widely accused of being anti-gay due to their homophobic lyrics.

A spokesperson says, "The possibility of violence at the concert from the firestorm incited by a select group of activists makes cancelling the event the only responsible action.

"It is very unfortunate, however, that the intended good that could result from bringing this community together around this potentially groundbreaking event will not be realised."

Beenie Man calls for all lesbians to be hanged on one of his tracks, while TOK call for gay men to be burned alive.

Beenie Man hits back, saying, "AIDS is an epidemic that doesn't discriminate. It's not a gay or a straight thing, it is a fight for life."

A concert performed by fellow Jamaican star BUJU BANTON in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday (11JUL06) night was marred by protests staged by gay activists



What does everyone think about this issue? Curious to see where we stand on this one, then I'll give my two cents.

I think....

COMING TO A P&R FORUM NEAR YOU SOON!

And I can already tell you who will end up in this thread, but I'll let them reveal themselves.

good for them....i mean who cares about Beenie Man and TOK anyway

rastafarians are notoriously homophobic.

yeah it is an unfortunate incident but you have to hold people accountable for their words. Just like Jayz called the "cristal" guy and his remarks racist, Beeine Man has to be held accountable for his words. Sometimes i just feel like labels that sign artists really have to be held accountable too, and be hit hard with fines, cause money is the only way to get action.

My guess is because of this cancelling this will ignite more hatred to gays and lesbians, and the root of the evil, homophobia and racism will be ignored.

Shows how much I know.
All this time I thought "Dude" was saying
" I need a fag that can handle his biz like a man "
(Had to Google it...still sounds like "fag")

Anyway, how can they claim "...it is a fight for life", as if they even understand what concern for life is?

"reggae is vile"
-Morrissey

How did they get on the bill in the first place? Hell, I don't even follow their music & I heard about that shit

Don't see why they didn't just drop the acts in question from the bill & keep the concert going...

sinisterpentatonic said:

CORRECTION: Restsfarians are anti-gay.

weepingwall said:

and so is he, I'd pick Bob Marley over Morrissey anyday.