City Council to debate action on anti-gay hate music

12.47.14pm GMT Sun 14th Nov 2004

Speaking up for Brighton & Hove LGBT community.

A call for firm action to tackle what has been termed as 'murder music' has been tabled for debate at the next full meeting of the City Council, on Thursday, 25 November 2004. The music by certain Jamaican reggae artists contain lyrics which are seen as inciting violence and murder against homosexual people. The motion is being propsoed by Lib Dem and Labour Councillors.

If agreed, the Council will call for action to request that music stores and public libraries in the City do not stock the music, and also ensure that live music venues do not permit performances, a move already undertaken by Birmingham City Council.

The motion reads as follows:

'Murder Music'

This Council believes that musicians whose lyrics contain incitements to violence and murder are unacceptable if all people are to be valued and respected, regardless of their sexuality, background, race, gender, age or disability.

This Council notes that serious concerns have been raised over such "murder music" singers, which include Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, TOK, Capleton, Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel, who are seen as glorify the killing of lesbian and gay people which makes life intolerable for many lesbian and gay Jamaicans where homosexuality is outlawed.

In acknowledgement of the concerns raised by many people in Brighton and Hove's large LGBT community, this Council resolves to:

1. Write to all music outlets in the City urging them not to stock such music.

2. Ensure that such material is not available in the City's Libraries.

3. Write to all Public Entertainment Licence holders in the City expressing our concern over such music and raising concerns over any potential hosting of such entertainment at their venues.