“J-FLAG applauds contributions of Stop Murder Music Campaign”

STATEMENT

“J-FLAG applauds contributions of Stop Murder Music Campaign”

Kingston, Jamaica - November 5, 2008

The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays, J-FLAG, recognises the Stop Murder Music Campaign, SMMC, which has been running since Summer 2004, as an important partnership in the fight against anti-gay violence, discrimination and homophobia. Against this background, J-FLAG supports the efforts of Tjenbé Rèd (Stop Murder Music France) in bringing public attention to bear on the Paris tour by Dancehall Artiste Capleton.

J-FLAG takes this position mindful of the fact that the threat as well as the reality of homophobic violence hangs over the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community in Jamaica. Indeed, violence has claimed the lives of too many members of the Jamaican GLBT community. J-FLAG remains convinced that this situation is fuelled, among other things, by the anti-gay lyrics of performers within the dancehall genre. If steps are not taken to address the threat posed by such lyrics, many more members of the Jamaican GLBT community will suffer.

The SMMC, a network of activists in Europe, the United States and Canada, speaks out against the performance of lyrics that promote violence against the gays and lesbians. These activists have called for a breaking of the silence regarding a particular brand of violence and hate against members of the GLBT community triggered by anti-gay lyrics.

We are conscious of the fact that the respect for the human rights of the GLBT community in many parts of Europe and North America has been won after a long struggle, and depended largely on governments and societies taking a stand against anti-gay violence. We therefore appreciate the seriousness of the issue for those who believe that allowing entertainers to call for the murder of GLBT persons represents a threat to the hard won respect for their humanity.

J-FLAG reiterates its respect for the sanctity of life and applauds the contributions of SMMC towards the safety of all GLBT persons.


Contact: J-FLAG
Telephone: (876) 754-8704
Email: admin@jflag.org