Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter

Buju Banton's camp is denying that he has signed the Reggae Compassionate Act which targets reggae/dancehall artistes who are deemed as promoting violence against gays.

When contacted, Tracii Mc-Greggor, president of Gargamel Music, simply stated: "not true" when asked if Banton had indeed signed the act. No other comment was offered regarding whether legal action would be taken against Peter Tatchell, head of the British gay human rights group, OutRage! and coordinator of the worldwide Stop Murder Music campaign.

Tatchell, who had issued a release titled 'Buju Banton signs gay deal' to several media houses, with contracts bearing the alleged signatures of Banton, Capleton, Beenie Man and Sizzla, also stated in the release that he 'helped negotiate the deal with the four singers'. Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Sizzla and Capleton are said to have previously released songs containing homophobic lyrics.

Important milestone

In the release, Tatchell stated, "The singers' rejection of homophobia and sexism is an important milestone. We rejoice at their new commitment to music without prejudice." The release continued: "The essence of the RCA is that the artistes promise to not sing lyrics or make public statements, in Jamaica or anywhere else in the world, that incite prejudice, hatred or violence against lesbian and gay people."

He continued, "By signing the Reggae Compassionate Act they are stating that, in future, they will not release new homophobic songs or authorise the re-release of previous homophobic songs."

Tatchell and his group states that four other "murder music artistes" have not signed the act. They are Elephant Man, TOK, Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel.