A number of reggae and dancehall artists who have been dogged by allegations of homophobia in recent years have signed up to a new pledge drafted by gay rights activist Peter Tatchell which says they "respect and uphold the rights of all individuals to live without violence due to their religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or gender".
As previously reported, numerous artists from the reggae and dancehall genre have been accused of inciting violence against the gay community through their lyrics, and when those artists refused to formally retract those lyrics gay rights groups in a number of countries began lobbying against them - often forcing those artists' live shows to be cancelled.
After a number of high profile gig cancellations, several record labels representing the genre reached an agreement with key gay rights groups which included an assurance any songs with seemingly homophobic lyrics would not be performed live. However, some in the gay community were critical that that agreement involved the labels, but not the offending artists themselves.
The new agreement, called the Reggae Compassionate Act, is signed by the artists. Signatories also put their names to a statement which reads "there's no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence, sexism or homophobia", as well as making a personal commitment to not "make statements or perform songs that incite hatred or violence against anyone from any community".
Two of highest profile artists to put their name to the Act so far are Beenie Man and Sizzla, both of whom have suffered gig cancellations because of opposition to alleged homophobia. However, some others are yet to sign up, and Tatchell has pledged to continue to put pressure on them to do so. Particular targets are Elephant Man, TOK, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton.
Commenting on the Act, Tatchell told reporters this week: "The Reggae Compassionate Act is a big breakthrough. The singers' rejection of homophobia and sexism is an important milestone. We rejoice at their new commitment to music without prejudice. Having these major reggae stars renounce homophobia will influence their fans and the wider public to rethink bigoted attitudes".