THE EDITOR, Sir:
I STAND in full support of the homosexual community in London who have made it their duty to blacklist Jamaican artistes who incite violence against homosexuals.
Artises are influential members of society and their words are considered gospel by their followers. Dancehall artistes have the absolute right not to support homosexuality based on whatever moral or biblicalgrounds they choose. However there is a big difference with not accepting the homosexual lifestyle and encouraging violent acts aginst individuals who are gays or lesbians. The artise has a right to self expression but not when it amounts to preaching evil and physical acts of voilence against the homosexual community. This is a human rights issue.
As a fashion stylist I have worked with quite a number of well-known Jamaican artistes in the music industry and it is obvious to them that in the USA and London the gay community is most influencial in fashion and styling at all levels for music shows and videos. It is ironic that they can call for our death yet many Jamaican artistes are influenced by the gay culture in the US and London.
The last time I checked money does not have a sexual preference. You want us killed; you hate our lifestyle but you can dress up in our clothes. Ironic don't you think?
I am, etc.,
MARK PEART
Brooklyn
New York
