Open letter to Rototom Sunsplash - Italy On behalf of the Stop Murder Music Campaign 11/05/2007 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 OutRage! London and the Black Gay Men’s Advisory Group UK On behalf of the Stop Murder Music Campaign Vedi anche: http://www.rototomsunsplash.com Spedisci questa pagina / Send this page / Envíar este pagina