27 Jun 05

(London) Scotland Yard is preparing to lay charges against three leading Jamaican reggae artists and the stores and radio stations that distribute the music that advocates the murder of gay people.

Police have been investigating the performers for nearly two months following an official complaint by the LGBT rights group Outrage!

Among the singers being investigated are Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Bounty Killer. 

Investigators bought copies of the CDs at HMV and Virgin stores in London and then had the lyrics translated from patois to standard English by an independent linguistic expert. 

The songs advocated extreme homophobic violence and murder, including the shooting, burning and drowning of gay people. 

Outrage spokesperson Peter Tatchell cited Beenie Man`s Damn as one example: "I`m dreamin` of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays." The three artists involved were all nominated for best reggae act at the Mobo awards in London in September. 

Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll of Scotland Yard`s diversity directorate is understood to believe that record stores, websites and radio stations who promote and distribute the songs could also be criminally liable. 

Last month an American university cancelled a scheduled appearance by Elephant Man after it became aware of the singer`s lyrics.

by 365Gay.com News centre Staff, ©365Gay.com® 2003