Humboldt Against Hate

Good News from Jamaica! Jamaica?

2012-01-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

Portia Simpson Miller, newly elected Jamaican prime minister, has spoken out in favor of gay rights. She won anyway.

Perhaps reggae will listen.

Racists in Ferndale?

2011-12-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Thadeus Greenson covers a third allegation that Ferndale football fans have created racial incidents at the team's games -- the story is at the Eureka Times-Standard. This is the third such incident alleged within the past year.

Salesian High School Athletic Director Charles Nightingale is quoted by Greenson as saying "I was livid that one of my coaches was called a n*** and that three of their assistants called my kids classless." Salesian had just beat Ferndale 42-6, but Nightingale said he couldn't enjoy the win.

How hard would it be for Ferndale to implement and publicize a zero-tolerance policy, requiring their students to report any such slurs, and immediately forfeiting a game if such a slur is reported? Why is this policy not already in place?

Ferndale's Principal and Superintendent is Jack Lakin. Ferndale's Coach and Athletic Director is Kim Jorgensen. Salesian's Nightingale is quoted in the T-S as saying he tried to talk to Lakin about the incident. ”He refused to speak to me,” Nightingale said. “He said, 'I have nothing to say to you.'”

Ferndale High School's phone number is (707) 786-5900.

No Interracial Couples at this Church

2011-12-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

Kentucky church votes to ban interracial couples

Gulnare Free Will Baptist Church votes on resolution that says the church 'does not condone interracial marriage'

From AP via The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/01/kentucky-church-bans-interracial-couples

Here's the best part: "The church member who crafted the resolution, Melvin Thompson, said he is not racist and called the matter an "internal affair"."

Nigerian Senate Votes Criminal Penalties for Gay Marriage or "Amorous Relationships"

2011-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

Reuters has the story here.

Here are the first few paragraphs:

By Camillus Eboh

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's Senate passed a bill on Tuesday to criminalise gay marriage and any same-sex "amorous relationship", a major step in putting in place a law that has drawn widespread criticism in Western countries.

The Senate increased the punishment for gay marriage from the five years' imprisonment originally proposed in the draft bill, to 14 years. The legislation must be passed by the House of Representatives and signed by President Goodluck Jonathan before it becomes law.

"Persons who entered into a same-sex marriage contract, or civil union commit an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 14 years in prison," the bill says.

"Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison."

Two similar bills have been proposed since 2006 but failed to pass before the expiry of the parliamentary term. The current national assembly has more than three years left on its tenure.

No Hate Here event, this Saturday

2011-10-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

(I saw this email via mail forwarding from someone who received it. Sponsors include HSU's Bias Response Team, Eureka Chapter of the NAACP, Temple Beth El, Humboldt County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, and the Critical Race, Gender and Sexualities Studies Department at HSU. For more information, email biasresponse@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4949. )

We* are writing to invite you to participate this Saturday, October 22nd, in a public event, titled “No Hate Here.” This event will provide a space for a community response to the murder of local resident Reginald Alan Clark, 53, an African American, October 4, 2011 and Cody Myers in Oregon. Both were killed by white supremacists who were later arrested on their way to Sacramento to “kill more Jews.” These murders, as we know, are part of a broader, although often ignored, pattern of bias and hate-based ideas, discrimination and violence in our local, national and global community.

“No Hate Here” will allow people to express their fears and concerns, as well as share tools with other community members for empowerment, safety, and the strengthening of community. By coming together we can demonstrate our common dedication to creating and living in a community (and a world) built on compassion, nonviolence and justice.

“No Hate Here” will be held Saturday night, October 22nd, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
We will start with a candle-light vigil and then move inside for a community discussion
Location: Boys & Girls Club, Corner of Harris and J Street.

We know that the ideal situation would be to plan with a longer time horizon so that we may bring as many people together to organize the event as possible; however, given the importance of having an event in a timely manner, we hope you will forgive us, and join us this weekend and in planning further actions. *If you would like to contribute to the event this weekend, please contact us at biasresponse@humboldt.edu or 826-4949.
*(HSU's Bias Response Team, Eureka Chapter of the NAACP, Temple Beth El, Humboldt County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, and the Critical Race, Gender and Sexualities Studies Department at HSU)

Jennifer Eichstedt
Bias Response Coordinator
Professor of Sociology
Co-Editor of the Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

Goodbye Don't Ask Don't Tell

2011-09-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

As "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ends, the Guardian points to a YouTube video of a US soldier coming out to his father by phone:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/sep/20/us-soldier-comes-out-dadt

Two Wonderful Mothers Connected by 9/11

2011-09-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

Absolutely wonderful. Should be seen by everyone alive today. Thank you MD at KHUM.

Australian Reggae Performer King B-Fine Against Murder Music, For Love

2011-09-03T18:10:00.001-07:00

An Australian reggae performer who has performed a reggae song referring to "burning the chi-chi man" has declined to sing the song in Sydney, instead recording a youtube video in which he says he has nothing against gay people. The video is at youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K4ZFicswQM

He also wrote the following on the youtube page where the song appears:

Greetings in the name of Jah Rastafari, I would like to make myself clear; in this new video clip, at the end of the video I sing burn down (Chi Chi Man) and what I mean is to burn down all the bad people,(child molesters, gangsters, rapist, peopl who destroy the life of another), please everyone am sorry if what you understand was wrong, but I have nothing against same sex, please don't get me wrong. I believe that everyone is equal. One love. King B-Fine.

Combined with the recent recording "Rights" by Mistah Maja P, this is real grounds for optimism that reggae is wisely climbing out of the cesspit of murder music.

Instruction Manual for Life

2011-08-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Another excellent video treatment of the role religion can play...

To see at YouTube, click here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAIpRRZvnJg

Muslim Man Pleads Against Execution of Man Who Shot Him

2011-07-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is a remarkable story that deserves wide exposure. After being shot and blinded in one eye in a hate crime, Rais Bhuiyan, a Muslim immigrant from Bangladesh worked to prevent the execution of the man who shot him.

Rais Bhuiyan, a Muslim immigrant from Bangladesh who was shot in the face while working as a cashier at a Dallas convenience store. The shooter first asked him where he was from, then shot him. Bhuiyan survived the attack, but was blinded in one eye.

The shooter, who had called himself 'the Arab Slayer,' may have himself been healed by Bhuiyan's remarkable act of forgiveness.

Despite Bhuiyan's efforts, however, which included suing the state of Texas, his shooter was executed yesterday.

Morality 101 from QualiaSoup

2011-07-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here's an excellent video on morality and atheism:

Click here to watch at YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7xt5LtgsxQ&feature=player_embedded

Toronto to Capleton: Boom Bye-Bye!

2011-07-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Murder music singer Capleton will not be performing in Toronto. Oh, Canada!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/jamaican-singers-concert-moved-out-of-toronto-after-outcry-from-gay-community/article2082918/

Amnesty International (Caribbean) removes paper documenting Jamaican anti-gay violence

2011-06-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

"The Caribbean Office" of Amnesty International had a straightforward answer when it was asked why a document about homophobia in Jamaica was removed from its website:

The document you made reference was not an Amnesty International public document but an internal document for action from AI membership. It is the reason why you cannot access it anymore (it should not have been on Internet for public).

Here's a link to the "Wayback Machine" archive of the document. It is reproduced in full below:

http://web.archive.org/web/20090624202721/http:/www.amnestyusa.org/lgbt-human-rights/country-information/jamaica/page.do?id=1106567

"Battybwoys affi dead:" Action against homophobia in Jamaica

In January 2004, around 30,000 people attended a huge stage show and Rastafarian celebration, Rebel Salute, in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Some of Jamaica's most celebrated artists were present. Throughout the night, Capleton, Sizzla and others sang almost exclusively about gay men. Using the derogatory terms for gay men - "chi chi men" or "battybwoys" they urged the audience to "kill dem, battybwoys haffi dead, gun shots pon dem... who want to see dem dead put up his hand" (kill them, gay men have got to die, gun shots in their head, whoever wants to see them dead, put up your hand).

Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, TOK, and Capleton are amongst the stars who have written lyrics variously urging the shooting, burning, rape, stoning and drowning of gay people.

From Buju Banton's Boom Bye Bye, which threatened "batty boys" with "ah gunshot in ah head", to Beenie Man's "I'm dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays" to Babycham & Bounty Killer's "Bun a fire pon a kuh pon mister fagoty, Ears ah ben up and a wince under agony, Poop man fi drown a dat a yawd man philosophy" (Burn gay men, til they wince under agony, gay men should drown, that's the yard man's philosophy), the exhortations to kill and maim seem to know no bounds.

DEADLY LYRICS
"When yuh hear a Sodomite get raped...
But a fi wi fault...
It's wrong
Two women gonna hock up inna bed
That's two Sodomites dat fi dead."

(Sodomites -- A derogatory term for lesbians)

– Elephant Man
"When you hear of a lesbian getting raped
It's not our fault
It's wrong
Two women in bed
That's two Sodomites who should be dead."

Although the singers are Jamaican, their records are widely distributed abroad. Recently organisations in Jamaica such as J-FLAG, Jamaica's only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group, have been joined by others around the world targeting the artists themselves, as well as radio stations, record labels and music stores that have distributed and promoted the songs.

The groups have sought to bring the lyrics to the attention of the public and the authorities. In December 2003, campaigners from the British gay rights group OutRage called on the British police to arrest Bounty Killer for incitement and conspiracy to commit murder, amongst other offences, during a UK tour. As the group stated in a letter to the Metropolitan Police, "in a democratic society people have a right to criticise homosexuality, but they do not have the right to encourage queer-bashing violence and murder."

The problem of homophobia in Jamaica goes far beyond any single artist however. Here, reports of violence regularly meted out to members of the LGBT community have reached such an extent that they have started to attract international headlines. Action is needed on a much wider scale to systematically tackle the prejudice that inspires the attacks and the laws which facilitate them.

"My experience as a gay man living in Jamaica is one which is marked by periodic incidences of abuse, both verbal and physical. I have lost count of the number of times I have been verbally abused, called ‘battyman', ‘chi-chi', ‘sodomite', ‘dirty battybwoy' (all derogatory terms for homosexual men)."

-- Gay man, talking to J-Flag, 2003.

The reports that AI has received range from vigilante action by members of the community to ill-treatment or torture by the police. Gay men and women have been beaten, cut, burned, raped and shot on account of their sexuality. In the past two years at least 5 Jamaicans have been granted asylum in the UK because their lives had been threatened as a result of their sexual identity; others have been granted asylum in the USA and Canada. AI believes that these reports are just the tip of the iceberg however. Many gay men and women in Jamaica are too afraid to speak of their experiences to human rights organizations or to the authorities.

One man described to J-FLAG how six men from an infamous "garrison community" (poor, inner-city communities controlled by either of Jamaica's two main political parties) blocked a road to beat a local gay man.

"The crowd stood around watching, chanting "battyman, battyman, battyman" before gathering around him as he lay on the sidewalk. The crowd beat, punched and kicked him. They threw water from the gutter and garbage on him, all the while shouting "battyman, battyman." Then they dragged him down the road for half a kilometre. They shouted "battyman fi' dead." As I stood across the street I realised there was nothing I could do to help him. Some mothers were actually in tears at what they were witnessing but there was nothing that they could do either. ... The crowd was saying "Give him to us! Let us kill him! He's a battyman!"
When police arrived they had to call for back-up. Three police jeeps arrived and fired shots into the air to clear the crowd.

The story is typical. Once a person's sexuality becomes known to family or community, they are at risk. Amnesty International has interviewed many people who have been forced to leave their areas after being publicly vilified, threatened or attacked on suspicion of being gay. They face homelessness, isolation or worse.

In a particularly egregious recent example, a national newspaper reported in February 2004 that a father had encouraged students to attack his son after he discovered a picture of a nude man in his rucksack. One student described the attack on the 16-year old on 18th February 2004 by other students: "him get nuff lick, kick, box and thump from other boy and girl." School authorities were forced to call police to escort the boy off the compound. Police were also attacked. Students received a "stern warning" but, at the time of writing, no-one had been charged in connection with the assaults.

One man was forced to leave his community in 2003 after his friend was murdered and he was threatened by local gunmen. He is still homeless and living a hand-to-mouth existence.

"One morning, at about 2 a.m., my friend was at a dance in the community. He was enjoying himself and dancing and suddenly there was a gunshot and a bullet hit my friend in the back of his head. He turned around after realising he was shot and they shot him in his face again three more times. He fell, but they continued to shoot him as he lay on the ground. Then they announced that I was next and "battyman fi' dead."
Protection is often denied by the police, who in many cases appear to tacitly or actively support such violence. Amnesty International has received many reports of police failing to investigate homophobic-hate crimes. In some cases they fail even to take written or verbal reports of incidents. One man called the police after running into a supermarket to escape from an attack in Half Way Tree, Kingston:
"We waited more than half an hour and still the police did not come. The police station is less than five minutes away. We eventually realised that the police were not in fact on their way and decided to see if we could leave safely. We were shaken by this incident, but doubly upset because the police had not responded to this homophobic attack."
In many instances, the police have tortured or ill-treated LGBT victims of crime seeking assistance from the police. AI has received numerous reports of police arresting and detaining men overnight whom they suspect of being gay, or charging them with offences such as loitering. In some cases individuals have appeared in court several times before charges were dropped. In other cases known to the organisation, police have stopped passers-by or placed gay men in the holding-area of police station, informing those present of the "batty-men" and encouraging further verbal or physical abuse.

An example of the kind of treatment LGBT individuals can expect from the police occurred in 2003 when a group of gay men were attacked, beaten, ill-treated and detained by plain clothes police officers as they socialized together in a bar frequented by the gay community in Kingston. One of the victims described what happened to J-FLAG:

"All of a sudden, a white van pulled through the gate and men armed with firearms jumped out of the vehicle and starting to fire shots into the crowd. We scattered in all directions, jumping fences and dividing for cover. A group of three of my friends and I began to run. They could jump the fence, but I had difficulty so they had to drag me over the fence with men chasing us and firing at us. This happened three times and each time I was dragged over the fence I fell on my head. Finally, we got to a residence and I hid behind a tree. My friend was not fast enough to find a hiding place and the two men who had been chasing us caught him and began to beat him with their fists and their weapons, kicked him as he lay on the ground, calling him a battyman. They took him away.

I met up with some of the guys from the crowd on my way home, and found out that my friend had been taken to the police station, and that the men who had attacked us were plain-clothes policemen. When I saw my friend later, he told me that they verbally abused him at the station and had told their co-workers that he was a battyman and they began to verbally abuse him as well. They held him overnight and released him. He was not charged with any offence."

Police appear to also target healthcare providers working with LGBT individuals and there have been several reports of nurses, community workers or others being unlawfully detained and ill-treated by the police. In 2003, three men were detained and searched by the police in Half-Way Tree. When asked by the police why they had condoms on them, they reportedly stated that they were promoting safe sex to both men and women. Police told the men that they were to be locked up for promoting "battybusiness". The men were crowded into the back of a police car as none of the officers wanted to sit next to them. They were not allowed to let their bodies touch the policeman who was also sitting in the back of the vehicle. At the police station, other officers told them that they should be dead and that policemen should have killed them rather than bringing them into the station. Police pointed them out as "battymen" to everyone who came into the station. The men were released after three hours.

"We did not report this to the police because my friend felt, based on past experience, that the police would be unsympathetic and possibly abusive too."
-- Man attacked with rocks by three armed men in 2003.

This kind of behavior from police officers means that an accurate picture of the number of victims of homophobic violence in Jamaica is impossible. Since so much shame and disbelief surrounds violence against the gay community – and since victims can not expect to receive the protection of the law - the number of men and women who report abuse is assumed to be many times fewer that the number of actual incidents.

The police are not the only authority to actively discriminate against non-heterosexual individuals. Reports of individuals losing their jobs once their sexuality has become known to their employer are common. Sometimes medical staff have reportedly joined in abusing gay or lesbian patients. When a group of gay men accompanied their friend to hospital after he was attacked, stabbed and robbed, they were verbally abused by staff in the accident and emergency department. One told J-FLAG that:

"The porters, janitors, and even some of the nurses laughed at us. They took a much longer time than usual to attend to us; we got to the hospital at about 10 p.m. and they did not attend to us until the next morning."
Although lesbianism is not a criminal offence under Jamaican law, gay men are not the only targets of this kind of violence in Jamaica. Amnesty has assisted in several cases of lesbian women from Jamaica who have sought asylum abroad following persecution at home. Amnesty International has received reports of acts of violence against lesbians, including rape and other forms of sexual violence. There are reports of lesbians being singled out for attack on the grounds of "mannish" physical appearance or other visible manifestations of sexuality. Some reports of abduction and rape emanate from inner-city garrison communities where local NGOs have already expressed concerns about very high incidences of the prevalence of violence against women. There are some reports that lesbian women have been forced to carry drugs by community gangs, on threat of, or after having been abducted, beaten or otherwise degraded or assaulted.

Perhaps fuelling such acts is the widespread public misconception that lesbianism is illegal. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the public is largely unaware that this is not in fact the case. This perception is reinforced by comments made by authority figures, such as politicians, the media, religious leaders and dancehall musicians. A Gleaner/Don Anderson poll of September 2001 posed the question "do you think that homosexuality should be legalised?" – drawing no distinction between male or female same-sex relations. According to the Jamaican NGO J-FLAG, the derogatory Jamaican word for lesbian, "sodomite", further underlines this misconception, as the word derives from an imputation against males.

Against this backdrop of high levels of violent crime - including murder - against gay and lesbian people in Jamaica, tacitly accepted by the police, are the laws that continue to criminalise consensual gay sex between males. Article 76 of the Jamaican Offences against the Person Act punishes the "abominable crime of buggery" by up to ten years' imprisonment with hard labour. Article 79 of the same act punishes any act of physical intimacy between men in public or private by a term of imprisonment of up to two years and the possibility of hard labour.

Jamaica is not the only country within the region that retains laws criminalising consensual sex between adults of the same sex. Only two English-speaking Caribbean countries do not criminalise this at all: the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Here, reports of discrimination and ill-treatment are still common. In July 2003, a Bahamian Bishop threatened to become the first "live Guy Fawkes" if the Government passed legislation legalizing same sex marriage. "The devil and every demon in hell can expect the church to react because God has done too much for us," he reportedly said. Jamaican and Guyanese laws are silent on lesbianism, whilst in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Saint Lucia, all acts of homosexuality are illegal.

Such acts of violence are set against a public which appears to strongly endorse the idea of differential treatment. A recent poll showed that 96% of Jamaicans were opposed to any move that would seek to legalise homosexual relations. Many churches have released statements indicating their support for the retention of current laws. In December 2001, Roman Catholic bishops in the Caribbean stated that they would be against decriminalising consensual sex between consenting adults. In 2001, the Jamaican Prime Minister reiterated his support for the exclusion of gay men from the Boy Scouts movement.

The risks facing LGBT people in Jamaica are increased because of the lack of effective governmental programmes catering to the needs of the gay and lesbian community. From the lack of effective victim support or witness protection schemes, to ineffective and oftentimes brutal policing, to an absence of refuges, the authorities are, in the organisation's view, unable to protect LGBT people in need.

In such a climate, the activities of J-FLAG are crucial. At the forefront of lobbying and campaigning on the issue in Jamaica, their work supporting LGBT people and promoting an agenda of inclusion and equality in extremely hostile conditions is essential. Their activities include running a telephone helpline, workshops and training of authorities, including health care workers, media and students . However the NGO has very limited funds and their activities can not and should not replace actions by the state to fulfil its international legal obligations to protect citizens from violence (the "due diligence" concept).

The way forward?
Is there an impetus for reform from within Jamaica? The Prime Minister of Jamaica has publicly confirmed his intention to retain legislation which discriminates against homosexuals on many occasions.

In 2000 the Jamaican parliament discussed J-FLAG proposals to amend the current bill of rights to the Constitution to include prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexuality. Section 24(3) of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed. The proposals were rejected in June 2001 by a Parliamentary Special Select Committee. The Committee reportedly feared that the provision would force reform of other laws, such as those on marriage and taxation.

In December 2001, a parliamentary Select Committee recommended that Parliament review laws criminalising consensual gay sex. The proposals were rejected by Parliament in January 2002.

The senior medical officer, Dr Figueroa, subsequently called for homosexuality to be decriminalised in February 2002 at an AIDS conference. Other health professionals voiced concern at the extent to which stigma against gay people contributed to Jamaica's inability to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS. Although some individuals in the public eye occasionally voice opinions which are supportive of legislative reform with regard to the law in this area, Amnesty International believes that they do not in themselves negate a public climate that is enduringly hostile towards LGBT individuals, and which is characterised by frequent comments from those in authority condemning homosexuals. Indeed, the government reasserted after the conference that its position on homosexuality, including its decriminalisation, remained unchanged. Responding to Dr. Figueroa's comments, an editorial in the Jamaica Gleaner at the time noted that, "we suspect ... that this proposal will not get anywhere fast in this homophobic society."

With thanks for J-FLAG for sharing case histories for this action.
This is an internal briefing though the cases can be cited in actions.

What You Can Do

Take Action!Take action to protect LGBT people in Jamaica. Call for a debate on the repeal of sodomy laws, and for legal reform to protect LGBT people from violence and discrimination.

Support J-FLAG Jamaica's Only LGBT Rights Organization
Amnesty International has documented a serious pattern of homophobic violence against LGBT people in Jamaica. This violence is being carried out by both state and non-state actors and there appears to be little or no accountability for these human rights abuses.

In such a climate, the activities of J-FLAG are crucial. At the forefront of lobbying and campaigning on the issue in Jamaica, their work supporting LGBT people and promoting an agenda of inclusion and equality in extremely hostile conditions is essential. Their activities include running a telephone helpline, workshops, and training of authorities, including health care workers, media and students.

We encourage you to contact J-FLAG to find out how you might be able to support the organization and their work.
Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays
(J-FLAG)
P.O. Box 1152
Kingston 8
JAMAICA
www.jflag.org
Other Human Rights Concerns in Jamaica
For those that have not worked on Jamaica before, here is a brief overview of some other key concerns regarding human rights protection in Jamaica:

Police abuses
One of the highest rates of per capita police killings in the world
Many suspected to be extra-judicial executions
Reports of ill-treatment, unlawful arrest and detention common particularly in inner-city areas
Inadequate accountability in investigation and prosecution of such cases despite reforms.

Crime situation
Ranks third in world for per capita murder rate, behind only Columbia and South Africa.
Results in frequent internal displacement
1,045 reported murdered in 2002 including 16 police officers
Severe problems in criminal justice system include witness intimidation, delays, lack of effective victim support and legal aid for defendants

Political violence
Pervasive problem with political violence concentrated in inner-city "garrison" communities
Origins in 1970s when 2 main political parties, People's National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) armed inner city residents
Most recent general election in 2001 less bloody than previous years but some political killings reported

Violence Against Women
Endemic problems include very high levels of rape, sometimes involving firearms, and other forms of sexual, physical and mental violence
A problem within the community and within the family, linking with other forms of violence
Very poor accountability record and very high attrition rates – from initial reporting, to police investigation, prosecution and court
‘Domestic violence' legislation currently undergoing reform
Many Non Governmental Organizations pioneering reform on the issue

Prison conditions and ill-treatment in prison
Severe problems include overcrowding, ill-treatment, lack of adequate rehabilitation programmes or programmes for juveniles and the mentally ill, with very high reported levels of inmate-on-inmate and guard-on-inmate violence, including killings

Economic, social and cultural rights
Around 60% of budget services national debt of J$700 billion (150% of GDP)
Violence a growing public health problem
Rise rates of HIV/AIDS reported
94.9% primary school attendance but 20 per 1,000 under 5 mortality rate

Death Penalty
Jamaica maintains the death penalty for some types of murder; last execution in 1988

Playing the Victim Card

2011-06-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article on how homophobes are playing the victim card.

So if I'm not tolerant of aggressive bigotry, does that make me a bigot? (The answer is no; if you're a homophobe, just change the question to "if I'm not tolerant of the KKK, does that make me a bigot?")

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/06/11/national/a210219D13.DTL&tsp=1

By David Crary, AP

As the gay-rights movement advances, there's increasing evidence of an intriguing role reversal: Today, it's the conservative opponents of that movement who seem eager to depict themselves as victims of intolerance...

30 Rock star goes on anti-gay rant

2011-06-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

The entertainment site TMZ reports:

According to reports, Morgan took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium (pictured above) and went off about gays - saying, "Gays need to quit being p****** and not be whining about something as insignificant as bullying."
He added, "Gay is something that kids learn from the media and programming."

It gets worse, believe it or not. He said if his son were gay, he ought to talk to him like a man and not in a "gay voice" - whatever that is. Or Morgan said he would "stab that little n***** to death."

Police in Grenada Arrest Man for Consensual Sex

2011-05-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/05/26/ap/latinamerica/main20066327.shtml

May 26, 2011 3:31 AM

Police in Grenada accuse man of having gay sex

(AP) ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (AP) — Police have arrested a man for having sex with another male on the eastern Caribbean island of Grenada, where a law against homosexual acts remains on the books but is rarely enforced.

A 41-year-old man was charged with having sex with an unidentified 17-year-old man, Grenada's director of public prosecution, Christopher Nelson, said Wednesday.

The age of sexual consent in Grenada is 16 but while the sex in question was consensual, local law prohibits sodomy under the charge of "unnatural connection."

(continue at link above)

Jamaica homophobia survey 2011

2011-05-23T11:24:00.001-07:00

Jamaica homophobia survey 2011

Homophobia linked to education and socio-economic status

Kingston, Jamaica – May 2011

This is a news release by the Jamaican LGBTI human rights group, J-Flag.

The first national survey of attitudes and perceptions of Jamaicans towards homosexuality, conducted by a research team headed by Professor Ian Boxill, has found that negative views of homosexuality tended to be greatest among males, non-university educated persons, those who listened mostly to dancehall and reggae music and those in lower socio-economic groups.

As J-FLAG celebrates International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), the findings of the study underscores the reality of homophobia faced by many gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender Jamaicans. The study showed 59% of respondents chose negative words to describe their feelings towards homosexuals. 51% acknowledged learning about homosexuality at 14 years old and younger, with family & friends (32.9%) and media (31.3%) being the main sources of exposure.

Strongest objections to homosexuality were raised on religious grounds and the need to ‘protect Jamaican society from changing its cultural practices for the worse’, with 85% saying that they did not think that homosexuality among consenting adults should be legal, pointing to a widely held misconception that it is illegal to be homosexual. Additionally, the survey showed that 81.8% of respondents attend church and 82% deemed male homosexuality to be morally wrong as opposed to 3.6% who did not see it as a moral issue.

Of significance is the fact that 30% agreed that someone can be homosexual and also be a Christian, but 56% believe that it is not possible to be a homosexual and be religious at the same time. However, a significant minority (43%) did not share this view, suggesting some conflict on the issue of homosexuality and religiosity again highlighting the need for dialogue to begin to allay concerns that are unfounded and rooted in fear and ignorance.

UNAIDS Executive Director, Mr. Michel Sidibé, in his message for IDAHO called on the world to “replace violence and discrimination with acceptance and tolerance,” emphasizing the need for greater tolerance towards gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. Echoing the call for increased tolerance, Dane Lewis, Executive Director of J-FLAG noted that “the rise in the number of reports to J-FLAG in the last three months has been significant pointing to the reality that LGBT Jamaicans continue to be victims of human rights violations in varying degrees.

Despite the strong negative perceptions and attitudes towards homosexuality, which cut across all social classes, gender and social groups, the research offered some hope of greater tolerance, revealing that 49% of respondents believe that homosexuals experience genuine love and affection, like heterosexuals, in their intimate relationships.

A significant minority, 20%, of respondents chose positive words such as tolerance and acceptance when asked to describe their feelings towards homosexuals in spite of the prevailing climate of homophobia. Interestingly many respondents readily pointed out that persons who are homosexual make an important contribution to the society. Most of the respondents did in fact believe that homosexuals were and can be productive members of society.

The research team conducted the research using a nationally representative sample of 1007 adults from 231 communities between October and November 2010. The survey was also supported by a qualitative study based on five focus groups conducted across the island between October 2010 and January 2011.

The research was commissioned by the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) with the support of AIDS Free World and Open Society Institute.

Contact: Dane Lewis; Executive Director
Telephone: (876) 978-8988 or 875-2328
Email: admin@jflag.org

Uganda Pulls Death Penalty From Proposed Anti-Gay Law

2011-05-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Uganda lawmakers remove death penalty clause from anti-gay bill

Proponents of the anti-homosexuality bill plan to push ahead with it despite international criticism. It may be debated in a special session Friday.

President Obama had called the proposed law odious. The bill's author, David Bahati, says the death penalty (for consensual gay sex) has been removed from the bill. But a landlord could still face seven years in prison for renting to a gay person.

Sizzla, Sponsored by Coke, Calls for Execution of Gays

2011-05-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

Details at Pam's House Blend. This is April 24, 2011, not ancient history.

Think about it before you pick up a Coke.

Gay Rights Activist Murdered in Uganda

2011-01-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

The Guardian has the story, here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/27/ugandan-gay-rights-activist-murdered

Along with other Ugandan gay activists, Kato had reported increased harassment since 3 January, when a high court judge granted a permanent injunction against the Rolling Stone tabloid newspaper, preventing it from identifying homosexuals in its pages.

Late last year, Kato had been pictured on the front page of an issue carrying the headline "Hang Them". He was one of the three complainants in the court case.

Daniel Hernandez - Hero

2011-01-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

In the midst of yet another hate-fueled tragedy, it's worth taking a moment to recognize a hero, Daniel Hernandez:

Thank you Mr. Hernandez.

Dancehall's culpability is clear

2010-12-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a great article on murder music from Guernica Magazine.

http://www.guernicamag.com/features/2180/greenberg_12_1_10/

An excerpt:

"Yet, while many in the dancehall world defend Jamaican performers as simple vessels for the prejudices manifest in Jamaican society at large, it’s more likely that dancehall was what ignited the fuse in the first place. Until about twenty years ago, Jamaicans with whom I spoke uniformly recalled that men didn’t worry about accidentally brushing up against another man on a city bus. Homosexuality was hidden, but not radioactive. That changed beginning the early nineteen nineties, precisely the time when dancehall emerged, with its musicians exhorting fans to spill out of clubs and attack gay people.

"Dancehall’s culpability is “clear—it’s really the one big difference between other Caribbean countries and Jamaica. Other countries have a cult of masculinity and powerful churches but what they don’t have is dancehall,” said Baz Dreisinger, a professor at John Jay College in New York and a prominent popular music critic who has published widely on Jamaican music."

Happy Holidays

2010-12-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

May the human spirit prevail.

(n.b.: Jonathan is no relation, nor is the composer.)

Freedom of Speech

2010-11-21T08:36:00.001-08:00

Something seems to have gone seriously wrong with our understanding of freedom of speech. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution has this to say:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It protects Americans from attempts by the government to silence us, or to tell us how to think. It specifically protects "the right of the people peaceably to assemble."

Some seem to think that "freedom of speech" means "speech free from consequences," or, perhaps, "it's all good."

It's not all good.

If I run a shop and choose to post a sign saying "No Chinese or Dogs Allowed," that may or may not be legal. But even if it's legal, I can expect that decent people will not patronize my store, and may protest in front of it, exercising their freedom of speech. Chinese-haters, and those who simply don't care, may continue to patronize my store, but people who believe prejudice is wrong and are willing to act on their beliefs will shop elsewhere, and will urge everyone else to shop elsewhere. That's what a protest in front of the store is: it is urging people to shop elsewhere, because the store owner's activity is repugnant.

The line is when a protester actually prevents someone from entering the store; having a picket line or another form of protest is exactly what the first amendment protects.

The same applies to music. Many people try to compare the murder music of musicians like Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, and Capleton with other bands that play cruel music. But, while there are lots of songs talking about people abusing other people, there aren't many well-known acts (are there any?) that actually call for the murder of people because of their race, sex, religion... anything but sexual orientation. But these murder music acts URGE people to hang gays, to throw acid in our faces, to get out the automatic weapons, and to not call police to help gays who are attacked.

To say, "it's all good, I won't attend but I won't complain" is not supporting "freedom of speech." It is abdicating the responsibilities that freedom of speech imposes on a free people.

Most people, if the are honest with themselves, would be outraged if a bar in Eureka booked an act that had called for the murder of black people, signed a document promising not to do it again, and was then recorded shouting epithets against black people. Most people would feel the same if it was done about Jews, or Japanese, or members of a tribe, or Muslims, or... well, really, just about anyone.

Most people would be offended. They'd protest. They'd complain to the bar's owner. They might protest outside the bar. But they wouldn't pretend that what the act did is OK, and that "it's all good."

It's not all good.

Tanya Stephens (and Capleton?)

2010-11-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

Tanya Stephens has an incredible song, Do You Still Care, which tackles the negativity in so much dancehall music and explicitly references gay rights.

Here's a link to the beautiful song.

It seems odd that she is performing with Capleton. Who knows, perhaps there's a chance she can actually educate him. Here are some of the lyrics:

As his friends all jumped in their rides,
Left him in the gutter didnt care if he died,
He was rescued by a car with plates that said 'Gay Pride',
It would have been fatal,
A shot in your head,
They saved your life, though you always said "Chi-chi fi dead!!"

Now do you care, bout the clothes that they wear,
Would you rather if they left you there,
Do you still care what your friends wanna think if they see you hangin out with a queer,
Do you still care, does it still mean a lot now, you're the one who's needin the help,
Do you still care, do you still find it hard to love your neighbour as you love yourself now,
Tell me why cant you accept me as I am,
Just as I am now.

Pastor of Love

2010-10-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

This long, long video of a sermon in an Atlanta-area megachurch is food for the soul. Bishop Jim Swilley of the Church in the Now discusses how he's known he's been gay since he was four, and talks about what it means to be gay and in the church.

You don't have to be gay to be moved. You don't have to be Christian to be moved.

http://www.livestream.com/bishopjimswilley/video?clipId=flv_c06fb65a-d284-4545-8237-775df11a2819

Arkansas School Board Member: Fags Should Kill Themselves

2010-10-26T15:44:00.001-07:00

Is this unbelievable, or not?

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/10/26/913853/-AR-School-Board-Member:Fags-should-kill-themselves

It gets better. But part of it getting better is getting people like this off school boards.

Reggae Song for Gay Rights

2010-10-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this great sign of progress.

Here's the lead:

International reggae singer Mista Majah P formerly known Major P may create history with the release of his new song “Rights.” Mista Majah P was born in Kingston Jamaica, but migrated to Canada at an early age. He was the recipient of the Canadian Reggae music award on several occasions. P now resides in the United States.

And here's the video:

Bounty Killer Arrested For Assault

2010-09-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12280/title.bounty-killer-arrested-for-assault/
Bounty Killer Arrested For Assault

by Slava Kuperstein

posted September 19, 2010 at 8:15PM GMT

The Grammy-nominated reggae artist has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a female companion.

Reggae star Bounty Killer, real name Rodney Price, was arrested on Saturday (September 18) for suspicion of assaulting a female companion in Jamaica.

The Grammy-nominated artist, who has worked with acts such as The Fugees, Wyclef Jean, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, Swizz Beatz, AZ, The Wu-Tang Colan and others, was taken into custody after a woman arrived bleeding at the Constant Spring Police Station, saying Price had "beat her up."

Deputy Superintendent Altermoth Campbell said to the Jamaica Observer, "She turned up here sometime after six and said that he used a hammer to beat her up."

Price has been charged with wounding, and remains in custody. He is expected to appear in court next week.

The complaint comes months after Bounty Killer was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Those claims were eventually dropped.

From Peace and Love to Fya Bun: What's happened to Rasta?

2010-09-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

From the Jamaica Observer:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Current-actions-contradict-roots-of-Rastafari-says-Semaj_7890058

Fyah Bun - Semaj questions Rasta and Reggae

Current actions contradict roots of Rastafari, says Semaj

BY STEPHEN JACKSON Observer staff reporter

Friday, September 03, 2010

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PSYCHOLOGIST Dr Leahcim Semaj argues that the popular theme of 'fyah bun' may have transformed Rastafari into an irrelevant movement that contradicts its origins.

"Is it possible that Rasta has fulfilled its promise and is now a spent force?" questioned Semaj, as he addressed the recent Rastafari Studies, Conference, a four-day expose on the movement.

"This conference could be a critical catalyst in this corrective transition — if the kind of reasoning here will not just pontificate on all the great things but to point out all the things that are not working."

Panellists from around the world presented on the impact of Rastafari at the conference at the University of West Indies in Kingston.

Semaj, who up to recently wore locks, said that the movement lost potency up to mid-90s when the traditional theme of peace and love was usurped by fire burning.

"Rastafari had its greatest impact during the first 30 years using the soft power of peace and love. All the things with which Rasta made an impact on the world are the things that evolved out of the foundation of Rastafari using the soft power," he asserted.

Rastafari is a comparatively new religion which began in the 1930s — its followers worship Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia. During the first 30 to 40 years the movement received spiritual strength from the visit of Selassie to Jamaica and the rise of Reggae music via Rastafari including the Wailers and Dennis Brown. The 90s however saw some Rastafarian entertainers — the movement's most visible personas -- lyrically promoting guns, ganja, glamour, gals and gangsterism. They also merged the vocal styles of 'righteous' Reggae with 'decadent' dancehall.

"The consistent refrain of Rastafari over the first 30 years was peace and love, but then it transitioned to something else called fyah bun. It is the most common theme in the last 10-15 years for the Rasta man. How did we make that transition?," he asked.

Semaj agreed that fire can purify, but questioned whether the confrontation of fire has benefited the movement.

"What has fire created. Has it destroyed what has been created over the first 30 years. Rasta has to answer these questions," stated Semaj who is also the founder of The Job Bank a company that provides leadership and employment solutions.

Semaj who received a Post Doctoral Fellowship in psychology from Princeton University, has lectured at the University of the West Indies, Cornell University and Rutgers University. He has also been a columnist and commentator on numerous talk shows.

UPDATE: Iran to execute 18 year old

2010-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Iranian judges defy their Supreme Court to hang teen

URGENT ACTION:
At the end of this article, see the action you can take to help save Ebrahim

Must a man hang because he is accused of being gay?

By Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner

Evening Standard - London - 6 August 2010
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23864280-must-a-man-hang-because-he-is-accused-of-being-gay.do

Eighteen year old Ebrahim Hamidi has been sentenced to death by a court in the Iranian city of Tabriz, on charges that he sexually assaulted another man. His accuser has since withdrawn the assault claim in a sworn affidavit, admitting that he lied under parental pressure. But Ebrahim is still scheduled to hang.

Two years ago, the alleged sex attack victim was caught by Ebrahim damaging his father's crops. There had been a history of feuding between their families. A fist fight ensued, involving Ebrahim and some friends. During the fracas, the accuser's trousers slipped down 20cm, which he claimed was evidence of a sexual assault.

Two hours later, Ebrahim and three friends were arrested on sodomy charges and tortured in a detention centre for three days. Ebrahim was hanged upside down by his legs and badly beaten. To stop this abuse, he signed a confession.

There is no evidence that Ebrahim is gay or that a sexual assault took place; just the word of one person against another and a confession under torture, which was later retracted.

At his first trial in 2008, Ebrahim was sentenced to hang on the the basis of the "knowledge of the judge" - a bizarre legal protocol whereby, in the absence of sufficient evidence to convict in sodomy and adultery cases, a judge is free to assess that a person is guilty.

Ebrahim's death sentence is in defiance of the Supreme Court of Iran, which has twice rejected the local court's guilty verdict and ordered a re-examination of the case, citing errors in the legal investigation and an "issue of doubt." These two Supreme Court rulings against conviction and execution have been ignored by the judiciary in Tabriz.

At the third and most recent trial in June, Ebrahim's three co-defendants were acquitted. He was not. Two of the five Tabriz judges cleared him of all charges but the other three upheld his execution order.

Soon afterwards, a third appeal was submitted to the Supreme Court. Alas, at this crucial stage in his appeal, Ebrahim suddenly has no legal representation, which puts him in great peril. His lawyer, Mohammad Mostafaei, was forced into hiding after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He has since fled Iran, fearing that the government was planning to jail him over his highly publicised efforts to stop the stoning to death of a 43 year old woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, on charges of adultery. She, too, was sentenced by a Tabriz court.

Without a lawyer, Ebrahim cannot further challenge the death sentence. If the Supreme Court this time confirms his execution, he could be hanged in a matter of days. Hanging in Iran is not by the trapdoor drop method, which breaks a person's neck swiftly. It is by sadistic strangulation. The noosed victim is hoisted by a crane, which causes them to writhe and convulse. They die a slow, painful death from asphyxiation.

Ebrahim's case highlights the flaws and injustices of the Iranian legal system. It is further evidence that innocent people are sentenced on false charges of homosexuality, often after torture.

To avoid the hangman's noose, Ebrahim's best hope is to persuade the Chief Justice of Iran, Sadeq Larijani, to veto his hanging. I have written to the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, urging him to press the Chief Justice to halt Ebrahim's execution, annul the death sentence and order a re-trial. I hope MPs, and the public, will lobby the Iranian Ambassador, to save both Ebrahim and Sakineh.

What you can do to help save Ebrahim

Write a polite letter of protest to the head of the judiciary and to the supreme leader of Iran, urging Ebrahim's release:

Head of the Judiciary
Sadeqh Larijani
Howzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh (Office of the Head of the Judiciary)
Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhouri
Tehran 1316814737, Iran
Email: info@dadiran.ir or via the official website: http://www.dadiran.ir/tabid/75/Default.aspx
First starred box: your first name; Second starred box: your family name; Third starred box: your email address

Supreme Leader of Iran
Sayed Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street - Shahid Keshvar Doust Street
Tehran, Iran
Email: via the official website: http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=letter (English)
http://www.leader.ir/langs/fa/index.php?p=letter (Persian)

Thank you, Peter Tatchell

Iran to execute 18 year old

2010-08-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

From human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell:

Iran to execute youth aged 18

False accusation of homosexual assault - Now withdrawn by accuser

Ebrahim Hamidi faces execution by hanging, despite no legal representation

His lawyer, Mohammad Mostafaei, forced into hiding by arrest warrant

Iran's Supreme Court twice rejects guilty verdict and orders re-examination

Provincial court presses ahead with execution plan, defying Supreme Court

London - 4 August 2010

Gay Middle East and OutRage! are issuing an urgent appeal to save the life of 18 year old Iranian, Ebrahim Hamidi, who was sentenced to death on 21 June 2010 for a vague, unspecified sexual assault on a male. He is now awaiting hanging, despite his accuser admitting that he lied, and withdrawing his accusation of assault.

In addition, the Supreme Court of Iran has twice rejected the provincial court's guilty verdict and death sentence and ordered a re-examination of the case. This ruling has been ignored by the local judiciary in East Azerbaijan province.

Ebrahim's execution could take place at any time.

He now has no legal representation. His lawyer, Mohammad Mostafaei, has been forced into hiding after a warrant for his arrest was issued. The Iranian authorities are furious over over Mostafaei's highly publicised efforts to stop the stoning to death of Sakineh Ashtiani on charges of adultery.

"There is no evidence that Hamidi is gay or that he committed any crime. This execution must be stopped. We need your help," said Dan Littauer, editor of Gay Middle East.

"Ebrahim's case shows the flaws and failings of the Iranian legal system. It is further evidence that innocent people are sentenced on false charges of homosexuality," added Peter Tatchell of the London-based LGBTI human rights group OutRage!

"The claims of the Iranian authorities cannot be trusted. Our best hope is to persuade the Chief Justice of Iran, Sadeq Larijani, to veto Ebrahim's execution.

"Wherever you live, get your MP/Congressperson/Deputy and Foreign Minister to lobby the Iranian Chief Justice.

"An international campaign can help stop Ebrahim's execution, just as a similar global campaign has, so far, halted the stoning to death of Sakineh Ashtiani.

If you live in the UK:

"We urge people to ask their MP and MEPs to lobby the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and the Iranian Ambassador to London.

"Letters from MPs and MEPs will have maximum influence and impact. Please urge your MP and MEPs write letters of protest urgently.

"I call on William Hague and David Cameron to make representations to the Chief Justice of Iran to halt Hamidi's execution, annul the death sentence and order a re-trial," said Mr Tatchell.

To email your MP and MEP, go to this website:

www.writetothem.com

Include the briefing below in your email to your MP and MEP.

Thank you.

See Dan Littauer's three articles and reports on the Hamidi case below:

Briefing

A youth is facing imminent execution in Iran based on a mere false accusation
By Dan Littauer, Editor, Gay Middle East, and Joshua Hunt, contributing journalist.

14 July 2010

You don't even need to be gay or lesbian in Iran to be in mortal danger - a simple, unfounded accusation can be enough to see you sentenced to death. On the 8th of July 2010, the famous Iranian human rights lawyer, Mohammad Mostafai, announced in a press release that three of his four clients were cleared of sodomy charges, but one, an 18 year old youth named Ebrahim Hamidi, was sentenced to be executed.

Hamidi was originally sentenced to death two years ago, at the age of 16, for an alleged attempted sexual assault on a male. The execution sentence was handed down by Branch 2 of the Criminal Court in East Azerbaijan province on 20 July 2008.

Following a fight in the countryside outside the Iranian city of Tabriz, with members of a family against which his own family had been feuding for some time, Hamidi was picked up with three friends by the police. The four were told that one of the men from the other family with whom the four were fighting had accused them of an attempted sexual assault. The "testimony" the accuser gave to support this claim was that during the fight his own trousers were 20cm below his wiastline, implying that the four attempted to strip him naked and assault him.

The four accused were arrested based on this allegation and held in Haris Detention Centre for three days. During police interrogations they were tortured and pressured to confess to the crime.

Ebrahim Hamidi signed his confession sheet to stop his torture: he was hanged from his legs and badly beaten. According to his lawyer, and the three friends who witnessed the beatings, he confessed to a crime he did not commit. All four were tried in two consecutive provincial criminal courts and were sentenced to execution.

During their third trial, three of the accused were cleared of all charges but Ebrahim Hamidi was again sentenced to execution.

He was sentenced to die despite the fact that two of the five judges at the hearing on 21 June this year ruled that none of the four accused were guilty of the sexual assault allegations.

Even more astounding, the youth who originally accused the four men of sexual assault has since withdrawn his accusation. On 7 July 2010, he gave recorded testimony to the police that his accusation was false and was given under pressure from his parents. In other words, the accuser admitted that he was lying due to parental pressure.

On top of this, the guilty verdict and execution order was rejected twice by the Supreme Court of Iran - once by Branch 17 and once by Branch 42 - because of shortcomings in the judicial investigation. It ordered a re-examination of the case. Yet the provincial court still insists on executing Ebrahim.

In his report Mr. Mostafaei wrote: "I have asserted in the past that many of execution cases I took on were flawed to the point that an execution verdict couldn't possibly be issued. This case too, is one of those cases where an innocent person is ordered to be executed."

Gay Middle East (GME) has interviewed Saghi Ghahraman, CEO of the Canadian-based Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO) about this case. Ms. Ghahraman stated that: "execution is an inhumane and brutal punishment." She added that this "specific case which is tied, for no reason, to homosexuality", is completely without foundation and unjust. To Ghahraman, the harsh attitudes towards homosexuality are enough to have any person, whether straight or gay, put to death. This law is not only wrong in condemning to death innocent people but damages families and severely scars whole communities. Ghahraman is deeply alarmed by the execution order for Ebrahim Hamidi. She reiterates that Hamidi is not even "accused of homosexuality, but of sexual harassment based on a false accusation, without any evidence," by a mere decision of a judge.

To GME this appears as a face saving measure of a flawed judicial procedure, which surely should be repealed by the judiciary of Iran. GME joined IRQO in requesting the judiciary of Iran to annul the verdict. Furthermore, a repeal of the sodomy laws, which are both inadequate and unjust, would benefit Iran as a whole and give it much esteem in the eyes of the international community.

IRQO has reported the case to the Iranian Committee for Human Rights Reporters and to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.

GME has also referred this case to Amnesty International.

Mostafai's statement: http://www.modafe.com/NewsDetail.aspx?Id=415

Committee for Human Rights Reporters: http://chrr.biz/spip.php?article10187

Mostafaei the lawyer of Hamidi disappears!
GME News Exclusive!

25 July 2010

According to the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, there is no news of Mohammad Mostafaei's whereabouts since Saturday afternoon. Mostafaei is the revered Iranian human rights lawyer defending Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, sentenced to death by stoning for alleged adultery. He is also the defence lawyer for Ebrahim Hamidi, an 18 year old youth sentenced to death by hanging, for alleged homosexual assault. Both are believed to be trumped up charges.

Mostafaei's disappearance follows the arrest of his wife along with her brother. They were detained last night at around 23h. According to Saghi Ghahraman, CEO of IRQO, Mostafaei was summoned to District 2 of Evin Prison's Sacred Martyr and was interrogated on Saturday July 24. It seems the authorities wanted to know how "blood money" is collected to pay for his young clients who were sentenced to execution. Mustafaei reported on his weblog: http://www.modafe.com/NewsDetail.aspx?Id=428

On Saturday July 24 2010, Mostafaei reported on his facebook page that he was summoned for more interrogation. "After being interrogated by District 2 they called me again and asked me to go and report myself. I'll go there tomorrow (Sunday) and don't know what's going to happen," he wrote. Apparently on the same day, Saturday, intelligence agents showed up in his office to arrest him, but they didn't find him there. His wife and her brother were arrested around the block of his office space. There are many comments on his facebook page expressing worry about his mobile phone being switched off and him not being in the office.

According to the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, later on Saturday evening, security agents went to Mostafaei's office with an arrest warrant issued for him, but he was apparently not there. Saghi Ghahraman stated that this development might affect the cases of both clients (Ashtiani and Hamidi) badly, and may result in the carrying out of execution sentences without a fair retrial, the defendants having been deprived of their defence lawyer. Saghi also called for "trials, transparent court sessions and delivering justice without capital punishment." She also expressed "that the lawyer and his clients need the international community's support and urgent attention."

Latest Update (Unpublished)
By Dan Littauer, Editor of GME and Saghi Ghahraman, CEO of IRQO

During the last week, important changes took place in the initial situation we were dealing with. Mohammad Mostafaei, the lawyer, is in hiding, some of his family are in jail, and he is under pressure by the judicial system to hand himself to the police if he wants his family out of jail.

This situation not only is harmful for him, it also leaves his clients, Ebrahim Hamidi and Sakineh Ashtiani, without a legal representative to try and save them from execution.

At this point, Sakineh Ashtiani has a huge media and international support, and it is unlikely the regime will hang her (at least not for the moment). But Ebrahim has no support whatsoever.

Ebrahim, as you might know from Mostafaei's letter and GME's reports, was not at fault, and the plaintiff himself has admitted he lied in accusing him. The last time we heard from Mostafaei was two days before his family's arrest and him going missing. He wrote on facebook in response to Saghi's note to him, that he was working on Ebrahim's case. He also told a friend of Saghi, who is a campaigner against stoning executions, that Ebrahim's case was already sent to the Supreme Court.

At this point, if the Supreme Court decides to eventually accept the execution order for Ebrahim, the sentence could be carried out in a few days, and there won't be a way to overturn that decision unless the Chief of the Judiciary himself overturns the verdict.

Saghi contacted some of the lawyers working with Mostafaei and enquired about Ebrahim's case. She was told that so far, in Mostafaei's absence, they don't know whether anyone else is representing him. Saghi has requested a few lawyers in Iran, whom she knows, to see whether they could take his case. As of now, none has.

We were advised by lawyer to organise campaigns for Ebrahim, and to stress to the Iranian government that we want him to have a new and fair trial, or for his case to be dismissed and for him to be released from prison.

More information:

Dan Littauer: 075 75 45 96 33

Peter Tatchell: 0207 403 1790

GREAT NEWS: UK court rules gays have asylum from persecution

2010-07-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Great Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that the UK may not deport gays seeking asylum if there is evidence they would be persecuted in their home countries.

The story is at The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/07/gay-asylum-seekers-rights-deportation

GREAT NEWS: Steven and Tiwonge are Pardoned

2010-05-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Steven and Tiwonge, the two young Malawian men who were sentenced to fourteen years of hard labor, have been pardoned by Malawi's President, who has called for their immediate release from prison.

It's worth noting that the President, when announcing the pardon, stated that the two are criminals. In other words, international pressure worked.

"These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws," he said after meeting Mr Ban.
"However, as the head of state I hereby pardon them and therefore ask for their immediate release with no conditions."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/10190653.stm

ACTION: Support Tiwonge and Steven in prison in Malawi

2010-05-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

THREE WAYS TO HELP
from Peter Tatchell of OutRage!

London - 21 May 2010

http://petertatchell.net/international/support-tiwonge-and-steven-in-prison-in-malawi.html

Big thanks to everyone who has shown their concern and anger at the outrageous 14-year jail term handed down to Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi.

See background to their prosecution and sentence here:
http://www.petertatchell.net/international/14-years-for-malawi-couple-is-brutal.html

Here are three ways you can help:

FIRST

Send a letter or postcard of support to Steven and Tiwonge. In this difficult time, they need to know that people around the world love and support them. Get all your friends to do the same. Write to:

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, Prisoners, Chichiri Prison,
P.O.Box 30117, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi

SECOND

Write a letter to your elected political representative. Urge him or her to write a letter of protest to Malawian President and to the Malawian Ambassador in your country.

For anyone in Humboldt County, Rep. Mike Thompson:

WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
231 Cannon Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3311
Fax: (202) 225-4335

NAPA DISTRICT OFFICE
1040 Main Street, Suite 101
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 226-9898
Fax: (707) 251-9800

HUMBOLDT DISTRICT OFFICE
317 3rd Street, Suite 1
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 269-9595
Fax: (707) 269-9598

THIRD

Make a donation by post or BACS electronic transfer to the Malawi Defence Campaign, organised the UK-based LGBT organisation OutRage!
OutRage! will use all money donated to support Tiwonge and Steven with food parcels, medicine, clothes, blankets etc. and to help fund the campaign for their release.

By BACS electronic transfer:
Account name: OutRage!
Bank: Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank, Bootle, Merseyside, GIR
0AA, England, UK
Account number: 77809302
Sort code: 72-00-01
For electronic transfers from overseas (outside the UK), please
ADDITIONALLY quote these codes:
BIC: ALEIGB22
IBAN: GB65ALE1720001778093 02

By cheque:
Write a cheque payable to "OutRage!" and send to OutRage!, PO Box 17816, London SW14 8WT. Enclose a note giving your name and address and stating that your donation is for the Malawi Defence campaign.

Thanks for your concern and commitment to justice for Tiwonge and Steven.

Solidarity! Peter Tatchell, OutRage!

www.petertatchell.net

www.outrage.org.uk
--

Gay in Malawi? Out? 14 Years Hard Labor.

2010-05-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

The first gay couple in Malawi to publicly proclaim their love has been convicted of "unnatural acts" and "gross indecency." The two men face up to 14 years hard labor. According to The Guardian, gay sex remains illegal in 37 countries in Africa. Uganda has proposed the death penalty for homosexuality.

More at the UK newspaper The Guardian .

Yet Another Anti-Gay "Leader" is Gay

2010-05-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

George Alan Rekers, who "helped James Dobson found the Family Research Council in 1983," needed help with his luggage in Bermuda. Right. Details at the links:

The profile touts his "smooth, sweet, tight ass" and "perfectly built 8 inch cock (uncut)" and explains he is "sensual," "wild," and "up for anything" — as long you ask first. And as long as you pay....He was soon followed out of customs by an old man with an atavistic mustache and a desperate blond comb-over, pushing an overburdened baggage cart.

That man was George Alan Rekers, of North Miami — the callboy's client and, as it happens, one of America's most prominent anti-gay activists. Rekers, a Baptist minister who is a leading scholar for the Christian right, left the terminal with his gay escort, looking a bit discomfited when a picture of the two was snapped with a hot-pink digital camera.

http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2010-05-06/news/christian-right-leader-george-rekers-takes-vacation-with-rent-boy/

http://www.queerty.com/the-gay-rentboy-scandal-that-should-sink-bigot-baptist-minister-george-alan-rekers-20100504/

The Islamic Revolution at Work

2010-04-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Iran's "nonexistent" homosexuals escape to Turkey; here's the story, by Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, Saturday, April 3, 2010

Freedom is relative. But for a 34-year-old refugee named Hassan, mother hen to a gaggle of gay Iranians fleeing a nation where their sexuality is punishable by death, relatively secular Turkey is one step closer to a life less shackled.

More than 300 gay men have fled Iran since the rise of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who infamously proclaimed in 2007, to guffaws from his audience at Columbia University, that there were no gay men or lesbians in Iran. Most have crossed the border into Turkey, joining 2,000 Iranian refugees - largely political dissidents and religious outcasts - facing waits of two to three years as the United Nations processes their applications for asylum. Those who agreed to be interviewed asked that their last names be withheld for fear of reprisals against their families.

Turkey grants all refugees sanctuary only until the United Nations can find them homes in the United States, Canada, Western Europe or Australia. To avoid a critical mass in any one Turkish city, the refugees are dispersed to two dozen locations. The list does not include more progressive Istanbul but rather smaller metropolises, such as Isparta, that remain influenced by Islam in the same way Christianity influences the Bible Belt.

In a nation where the party that won the Turkish elections in 2002 has since sought to improve ties with Tehran, the refugees' movements are strictly limited. They can't work or engage in political activity, and must check in at police stations at least twice a week.

Human rights groups say the number of gay men taking flight has jumped in recent months as some came out of the shadows for a fleeting moment around the time of last June's tainted elections, trying to join the anti-government campaigns that ultimately sparked a brutal crackdown.

It marked the first time, gay activists say, that a reviled underclass in Iran poked its face to the surface. It stayed there just long enough to get slapped.

"The bravery that has come out of the gay community in Iran since the elections has been inspiring, but the government has not taken it lightly," said Saghi Ghahraman, an Iranian exile who helps operate a Canadian-based organization providing guidance to gay men trying to escape Iran. "They have come down harshly and violently. They've made it more difficult than ever to be gay in Iran."

Most say they have been subject to gay bashing in Isparta. One neighbor tossed a rock through the window of the squalid apartment where Hassan lives with five other gay Iranians, and Turks shout gay epithets when they venture outdoors. Hassan said a shopkeeper and his son punched and kicked him, then urinated on him.

They now stay inside as much as possible, their lives in some ways more secret here than in Iran, a nation harboring a complex relationship with homosexuality.

Sex between two men in Iran is punishable by death after the first offense; sex between two women carries a penalty of 100 lashes, with the death penalty applicable on the fourth violation. In 2005, two gay teenagers, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni, were famously hanged in the city of Mashhad. Yet the government offers financial assistance for sex-change operations - the idea being, apparently, that if they change sexes, their desires would no longer violate religious law.

This article appeared on page A - 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/03/MNB81CP63A.DTL#ixzz0rW7NvAkH

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/04/25/international/i090010D35.DTL

First Uganda, Now Hawaii -- Crazy Christianists

2010-04-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

The same Christianist crazies who have helped Uganda implement the death penalty for gays... they're climbing the political rungs in Hawaii:

read it and weep

Gays, Christmas trees, rosaries and condoms -- all due to Satan.

Hate Costs Money

2010-04-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

From the Jamaica Gleaner:

United States Visa Woes Will Cost Jamaican Entertainers Big

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100404/lead/lead1.html

(The US embassy has revoked the visas of several Jamaican murder music writers and performers, including those of Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.)

From the article:

"...There does not seem to be an income stream readily available to replace the US shows, and McKenzie points out that "touring is the biggest income stream in the music business. It has always been for reggae and dancehall.

"Getting a fix on concert income for these entertainers is well nigh impossible, as the fees vary widely with the capacity of the venue and the type of performance (time and on tracks or with a band) among the determining factors.

"While McKenzie estimates artistes' fees in the "tens of thousands to many multiples of that", the industry insider believes the entertainers collect between US$6,000 and US$15,000 for each show."

In Britain's Military, They Can Tell

2010-03-29T14:11:00.001-07:00

Not only does the British military survive without Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the military unit that counts two of the Queen's grandchildren as officers just celebrated its first same sex civil partnership ceremony.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/a-very-modern-military-partnership-1928748.html

Jailed for Loving One Another

2010-03-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

(From Peter Tatchell)

Malawi protest in London: Free Steven & Tiwonge

Drop the charges, repeal anti-gay laws, equality for all

Commonwealth condemned for inaction on homophobic persecution in Malawi

London - 23 March 2010

African and British human rights campaigners rallied outside the Commonwealth's head quarters in London on Monday 22 March. They were protesting against the prosecution and imprisonment of the Malawian same-sex couple, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, on charges of homosexuality, and against the Commonwealth's failure to condemn their arrest and detention in Chichiri prison.

See photos of the Malawi protest here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/outrage/sets/72157623672689772/
These photos are free to use. Please credit Brett Lock of OutRage!

The keynote speaker at the protest was Edi Phiri, a gay Malawian who fled his country after he was badly beaten and had threats to kill him. He said:

"I urge my President and government to intervene to release Steven and Tiwonge. These two men don't deserve the way they are suffering in jail.

"The delay in the trial and the postponed verdict is a sign that the government and judiciary are split. Some officials want to convict and others don't. They keep on putting off the verdict. It is unfair to treat Steven and Tiwonge like this.

"International solidarity protests are really important to make sure these men get their freedom.

"Malawi's anti-gay laws are not African. They were imposed by the British colonisers nearly two centuries ago," said Mr Phiri.

Similar concerns were echoed by protest coordinator, Peter Tatchell, of the London-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights group OutRage!:

"The judge has refused Tiwonge and Steven bail. Imprisoning them for three months without a verdict is an abuse of law and a violation of their right to a swift and fair trial. These men are innocent until proven guilty. So why are they in prison?" he queried.

"Tiwonge and Steven love each other and have harmed no one. But they could be jailed for up to 14 years.

"This protest was organised in response to an appeal for help from the jailed men.
From their prison cell in Malawi, Steven and Tiwonge sent a message to me in London, urging international pressure to secure their release.

"Tiwonge and Steven have been arrested, prosecuted and held in jail solely because of their sexual orientation. We want them released, all charges dropped and the repeal of Malawi's anti-homosexuality laws. These laws violate the equality and non-discrimination provisions of Article 20 of the Malawian Constitution and Articles 2, 3 and 4 and the African Charter of Human and People's Rights, which Malawi has signed and pledged to uphold," added Mr Tatchell.

Monday's demonstration was jointly sponsored by OutRage!, Black Gay Men's Advisory Group, Gay Activists Alliance International, Red Room, Rukus! Foundation and an informal coalition of black and African LGBT activists in London.

The rally was co-compared by Dennis Hambridge and Davis Mac-Iyalla, a gay Nigerian activist, both of Gay Activists Alliance International.

Other speakers were leading black and African LGBT campaigners, including the Nigerian gay pastor, Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay, Dennis Carney of the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group, Godwyns Onwuchekwa from Nigeria and Skye Chirape from Zimbabwe.

The protest is the latest development in the international solidarity campaign to support Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga.

Already, 67 British MPs have signed a House of Commons Early Day Motion (EDM 564), which condemns the arrest and trial of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga:
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40143&SESSION=903

Amnesty International has adopted Steven and Tiwonge as "Prisoners of Conscience" and is campaigning for their release:
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=682

Amnesty regards the two men as the equivalent of political prisoners. The UK Director of Amnesty, Kate Allen, said:
"Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga have committed no criminal offence and we adopted them as prisoners of conscience...It is vital that as many people as possible join us in writing to the Malawi authorities calling on them to release the two men."

In a letter last week to the Malawian High Commissioner in London, Dr Francis Moto, Mr
Tatchell wrote:

"We respect Malawi as an independent nation, and merely ask that the government and judiciary adhere to the equality and anti-discrimination clause of the Malawian Constitution, which the people of Malawi freely agreed as part of the transition from dictatorship to democracy."

Malawi is a member of the Commonwealth.

"The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, has failed to condemn the arrest and jailing of Steven and Tiwonge, even though equality and human rights are supposed to be key Commonwealth principles," added Mr Tatchell.

See here:
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Internal/191086/191247/the_commonwealth/

and here:
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/files/36123/FileName/harare.pdf

"His silence is collusion with homophobia. As far as we can see, Mr Sharma is failing to oppose the persecution of Steven and Tiwonge. He is doing nothing to defend LGBT human rights anywhere. He appears to not accept that gay rights are human rights.

"Of the 53 Commonwealth member states, over 40 still criminalise same-sex relations, mostly under anti-gay laws that were originally imposed by the British government in the nineteenth century, during the period of colonial rule.

"These homophobic colonialist laws, which were retained after independence, are wrecking the lives of LGBT people throughout the Commonwealth. They criminalise otherwise law-abiding citizens and contribute to a hostile social atmosphere which demonises LGBT people as unnatural, abnormal, inferior and criminal.

"It is outrageous that nearly all Commonwealth member states persecute same-sex partners, with penalties ranging up to life imprisonment for consenting sex between gay and bisexual adults in private. Even more outrageous, the Commonwealth is saying and doing nothing to defend its LGBT citizens," concluded Mr Tatchell.

Further information:

Peter Tatchell of OutRage! - 0207 403 1790

Weekly Truthiness

2010-03-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

The murder music issue is such a downer, I've got to dilute it.

Here's the first (weekly? monthly? occasional?) edition of "weekly truthiness." Just click for your black humor dose.

Retired US general: Gays made Dutch weak in Bosnia

Bullying is not Protected Speech, Court Rules

2010-03-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

"a message that threatens physical harm, even if it wasn't meant to be serious, loses its First Amendment protection"

From today's San Francisco Chronicle:

Threatening posts not protected free speech

Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

A state appeals court says a 15-year-old boy whose Web site was flooded with anti-gay slurs and threats can sue a schoolmate who admitted posting a menacing message but described it as a joke.

In a 2-1 ruling Monday, the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles said the violent language of the message - threatening to "rip out your ... heart and feed it to you" and to "pound your head in with an ice pick" - conveyed a harmful intent that is not protected by the right of free speech.

The dissenting justice, Frances Rothschild, said no one who read all the messages posted on the Web site - in which youths tried to outdo the others in outrageous insults - would interpret any of them as a serious threat.

The case is one of the first in California to examine the boundaries between free expression and so-called cyber-bullying. The court majority said a message that threatens physical harm, even if it wasn't meant to be serious, loses its First Amendment protection and can be grounds for a lawsuit.

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, Houston, TX 3/19, Club Riddims, Crossroads in Bladensburg, MD on 3/21, Orlando FL, Club Firestone, Newark NJ Prince Hall

2010-03-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Beenie Man will be in Houston, TX at Club Riddims on March 19. Telephone: (713) 779-0033, www.clubriddims.com .

He may be scheduled at Club Crossroads in Bladensburg, MD, for March 21. (301) 927-1056 www.crossroadsclub.com contactus@crossroadsclub.com .

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer are scheduled to perform in early April at Club Firestone in Orlando, FL.

Bounty Killer is scheduled to perform April 10th in Newark, NJ, at Prince Hall.
973-824-9227, http://www.mwphglnj.org, Ticket info: 973-609-4589

Beenie Man performed "Mi Nah Wallah" in Uganda in December 2009. The song encourages people to slit the throats of gays. Bounty Killer also has violent lyrics, but what is most relevant about him is the 2006 incident in which he was witnessed on a public street punching out and kicking the mother of his child. She was taken to the hospital afterwards, by her friends.

The YouTube promotional video for the 04/03/10 Beenie Man/Bounty Killer concert has a phone number to call and lists "Ghetto Network" and "Flava Lab Music" as sponsors.

The video says "For Information call 407-970-2431" (Venue phone number is 407-872-0066).

Beenie Man would like to cut the throats of gay people

2010-03-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Beenie Man was in Uganda in December 2009, singing how he'd like to cut the throats of all gay men. Now he's coming to Rochester, NY's Water Street Music Hall on March 12th, and Orlando, FL's Club Firestone April 3rd.

The first paragraphs of the article at Uganda's Daily Monitor are presented below, and the address is here:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/LifeStyle/Entertainment/-/812796/818562/-/rocxwl/-/index.html

He'll be at the Water Street Music Hall in Rochester NY on March 12th. Please contact them to let them know (politely) how you feel: (585) 546-3887 . This venue also hosted Buju Banton back in September 2009, despite protest. Email: waterstreetmusic@aol.com

The show is being put on by Dajiah-Vu Entertainment, Dajiah_Vu@yahoo.com, http://www.myspace.com/dajiahvu

They run Club NV, 123 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604, (585) 454-7230 http://clubnvroc.com/

By RAFSANJAN ABBEY TATYA (email the author)

Posted Monday, December 7 2009 at 10:42

IN SUMMARY

His head held high, dread-locks swaying east to west and vice-versa, body vibrating and right foot stomping, Beenie Man showed he is the best interpreter of dancehall music.

There have been fountains of tales about Beenie Man being controversial – and revellers at his show at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday got a piece of it.

The King of Dancehall stuck a sword of words into gay people through singing and talking.
“In my family, we don’t have any gay person but if you’re gay, my brother that’s not my fault,” he said as he performed his song Mi Nah Wallah, in which he says he would like to cut the throats of all gay men.

George Bush and Bin Laden were also at the receiving end of the Jamaican’s wrath calling on the audience to say “murderer” as he sang about the pair’s warfare.

...a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays

2010-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

They're not scheduled for Humboldt County, but here is information about March/April US performances by Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

Beenie Man songs:
Song: Han Up Deh
Hang chi chi gal wid a long piece of rope
(Hang lesbians with a long piece of rope)
Song: Damn
I'm dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays

Beenie Man in Rochester, NY March 12, Water Street Music Hall

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer in Orlando, FL, April 3, Firestone Live

Click here for a news article from Jamaica about Bounty Killer

Capleton coming to Oakland, cancelled in San Luis Obispo

2010-02-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Capleton's Wednesday performance in San Luis Obispo has been cancelled due to smart, fast organizing by the Gay and Lesbian Association there.

Capleton is still scheduled to perform in Oakland. I've received a poster from an activist (I'm not sure if they want their name published). I've copied the text here; you can download the complete poster as a PDF by clicking here.

If you are not sure why he is being protested, please see the earlier posts on this blog. But here's the short answer: his lyrics encourage his audience members to murder gay people.

EMAIL & CALL THE DIRECTOR OF FOX THEATER

Phil Tagami, President of the Board of Directors
info@foxoakland.org 
(510) 869-3519

EMAIL THE CONCERT PROMOTION STAFF

Another Planet Entertainment

Danielle Madiera
510.548.3010

danielle@anotherplanetent.com

yourfriends@anotherplanetent.com

EMAIL & CALL THE OAKLAND TRIBUNE EDITOR

TimeOut/Entertainment:

Lisa Wrenn, 925-943-8251

lwrenn@bayareanewsgroup.com

Local News

Martin Reynolds, 510-208-6433,

mreynolds@bayareanewsgroup.com 

Letters to the Editor
http://www.insidebayarea.com/feedback/tribune

Opinion

Dan Hatfield, 925-977-8430

dhatfield@bayareanewsgroup.com 

Business

Drew Voros, 925-943-8099

avoros@bayareanewsgroup.com

Capleton Cancelled, Thank You to All

2010-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who took time to let Mazzotti's know of your concerns about Capleton, and who helped spread the word about "murder music." According to Joe Mazzotti, the performance has been canceled.

Queer Humboldt and other area organizations have planned an informational meeting for venue owners and promoters, in hopes that people can learn of potential difficulties before renting out their spaces to the very few performers that are being boycotted due to murder music. If you are a promoter or venue owner and would like to participate, please contact Queer Humboldt or, if you prefer, send me email or add a comment here.

If you are looking for more information about "murder music," the following is an excellent starting point:

http://www.soulrebels.org/dancehall.htm

It is a wonderful feeling to know that our community will stand up and speak out when necessary.

Thanks again,

Mitch Trachtenberg

Message from Joe Mazzotti:

Thank you for your inquiry in regards to Capleton! We were unaware that He had been So aggressive in his actions, It was my understanding that Numerous well known artists had been listed and that he was one of them but had signed an RCA Agreement and so we were assured by the promoters who rents the room that he was all good now!

That is now known to be Very Untrue! for this reason the show has been Canceled!

Mazzotti's has and always will support any persons right(s) to live happily, healthy and free of the kind of Violent acts this Hater espouses!

We hope that this "DOES NOT" Cause you to reconsider any future involvement with Mazzotti's on the Plaza!

Sincerely!

Joe M.

Murder Music Coming to Mazzotti's in Arcata

2010-02-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Murder Music coming to Mazzotti's Arcata

Another musician who urges people to "string (gay people) up and hang dem up alive" is coming to Arcata. Capleton is scheduled to perform at Mazzotti's on the Arcata Plaza on Friday, February 19th.

Please contact Mazzotti's at 707 822 1900 if you don't think they should rent their space out to this act. Please be polite but clear.

And please contact Beau at Bonus Entertainment, his phone is 707-223-7919 -- they are the ones who will be paying Capleton to perform. Again, please be polite but clear -- shouting, rudeness, or threats don't convince anyone.

Why Do We Oppose Murder Music

Please think for a moment how you'd feel if a celebrity was coming to town who had urged that all Jews have acid thrown in their faces, or that all blacks be hung from trees until they were dead.

That is the situation in which the gay community now finds itself. Eight popular dancehall musicians sing songs urging that people kill us. I strongly believe in free speech, but I feel equally strongly that we must protest these musicians -- they are intimidating people and threatening violence, and that is not protected speech.

These people became wealthy celebrities in Jamaica, in part, based on their willingness to give voice to a murderous level of homophobia in that nation. They must learn their attitudes will not help them in the United States -- that they are unacceptable to our music audiences. We should all feel obligated to reach out to help gay men and lesbians living in terror in Jamaica, who have requested that these musicians be boycotted. J-FLAG, the Jamaican gay rights organization that, with Outrage and the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group, is one of the boycott's sponsors, is even afraid to publish its address. Here's an example -- yet another assassination -- of why.

These musicians have been offered an opportunity to renounce lyrics urging physical violence against any person -- the so-called Reggae Compassionate Act. Each musician that we protest has either refused to sign, or has signed and then violated the terms of the act.

Some say that their songs use the image of "burning" and "fire" as symbolic. That may be so, but are images of hanging, throwing acid, shooting with Uzi machine guns also symbolic?

If so, it's effective symbolism, because one of the worst songs, Boom Bye Bye, was being sung by a partying crowd outside of Brian Williamson's house in Jamaica. Williamson, who had just been knifed to death inside, was the leader of Jamaica's gay rights movement until his murder. The scene was witnessed by a representative of Human Rights Watch, a thirty year old, highly admired, independent, international human rights organization.

I don't object to reggae, or reggae musicians, and I certainly don't want to "push anyone around." But I don't want bullies making money off of murder threats, either. That seems pretty reasonable.

...she was punched in the face...treated for her injuries...

2009-11-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

“…she was punched in the face several times [ by Bounty Killer]. She was dragged some distance away (near South Avenue), and her head slammed into a wall, and she was kicked to the ground.

Rambally was assisted to the Kingston Public Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries, including severe swelling to the face.”

– Jamaica Star, 2006

From Reuters, July, 2009:

KINGSTON (Reuters) – Jamaican reggae and dance hall star Bounty Killa was arrested on assault and other charges on Thursday for an altercation with an off-duty policeman nearly two years ago.

Police said Bounty Killa, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, could face a sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.

Pryce was charged after a lengthy probe into the beating of a police officer on September 27, 2007, by members of the DJ’s entourage.

Investigators said a vehicle belonging to Pryce was being used to block a road while the music star stopped to acknowledge some fans. When the officer asked Pryce and his followers to clear the road, he was beaten, they said, and Pryce threatened him with a gun.

Pryce was charged with assault, unlawful wounding and illegal possession of a firearm.

Bounty Killa was arrested in July 2008 on a charge of using profanity during a performance at a reggae festival in Montego Bay. He later pleaded guilty and was fined $70.

(Reporting by Horace Helps, editing by Jim Loney)

From the Jamaica Star, June 2006:

POPULAR DEEJAY RODNEY ‘Bounty Killer’ Pryce was arrested by police on Saturday and charged with assaulting the mother of his child.

The ‘Warlord’, as Pryce is also known, was arrested at the Quad Nightclub on a warrant and subsequently charged with assault and occasioning grievous bodily harm, stemming from an incident on Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, more than a week ago.

Allegations are about 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, Pryce, 34, was passing by when he saw the mother of his child, 33-year- old Julie Rambally, on her way with friends to a popular Monday night session along Constant Spring Road.

Pryce allegedly accosted Rambally and an argument began. It was reported that the altercation became physical and she was punched in the face several times. She was dragged some distance away (near South Avenue), and her head slammed into a wall, and she was kicked to the ground.

Rambally was assisted to the Kingston Public Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries, including severe swelling to the face. A report was subsequently made, and a warrant was prepared for Pryce’s arrest.

Pryce was picked up about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, at the club in New Kingston, wherein the warrant was served, and he was arrested. He did not spend any time in jail however, as Pryce was given station bail to the sum of $20,000.

The matter has been set for court on Tuesday, where the Warlord’s fate will be decided.

Concert Canceled?

2009-11-27T23:20:00.001-08:00

Queer Humboldt says they've been told that Bounty Killer's performance at the Red Fox Tavern has been canceled.

Please check back on Saturday afternoon, to see if more information is available.

Protest Bounty Killer at The Red Fox Tavern Eureka Sat Nov 28 8:15

2009-11-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

As of Friday evening, it looks like Bounty Killer will perform tomorrow -- Saturday -- at The Red Fox Tavern in Eureka, 415 Fifth Street.

I just confirmed this with "Brad" at the Red Fox, who did the booking. Brad can be reached at 707 269 0282. Please politely let him know if you have concerns about the concert.

If the performance is not canceled, please come to join an informational protest outside the Red Fox Tavern at 8:15.

Before leaving, please check back here or with queerhumboldt.org for any late-breaking news.

wipe out the faggot with a pure laser beam..

to kill (gays), to me dat is no stress,

murder dem fast, like Federal Express

--Bounty Killer song lyrics

PEACEFUL PROTEST AT THE RED FOX TAVERN

After the Arcata Theatre Lounge discovered that Bounty Killer (Rodney Price) writes lyrics encouraging the killing of gay people, they canceled his appearance. It's been rescheduled for tonight, Saturday, November 28th at The Red Fox Tavern at 415 Fifth Street in Eureka. Doors open at 8:30.

If you can, please join us in front of The Red Fox Tavern at 8:15 to hand out information about Bounty Killer to those planning to attend the concert.

Updates will be available at www.queerhumboldt.org and humboldtagainsthate.blogspot.com -- please check at least one of these sites before leaving.

Arcata Theatre Lounge Cancels Bounty Killer

2009-11-27T06:42:00.000-08:00

Arcata Theatre Lounge has done the right thing, within 24 hours of discovering the reality of who Bounty Killer is.

Thank you, Arcata Theatre Lounge!

Bounty Killer show cancelled:

In support of the community who have expressed great concerns over the message and lyrics of this performer, we will be canceling the Bounty Killer Nov. 28^th show.

We have in the past shown our support for the gay community and anti violence with events such as the Benefit for Marriage Equality, the Multi-cultural Queer Film Fest and Veterans for Peace: Speak Out Film Fest and hope both the gay and straight community will consider this and show their support for future events.

In closing, we would like to mention that for future shows we will make more effort to research potential artists who may represent violence against others.

Lara & Brian Cox

Arcata Theatre Lounge

Contact the Arcata Theatre Lounge about Bounty Killer

2009-11-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Bounty Killer (Rodney Price) is a Jamaican reggae singer whose lyrics advocate the murder of gay people.

Please take a moment to contact the Arcata Theatre Lounge to express your concern that Bounty Killer has been scheduled to perform there Saturday evening.

Please be kind, educational, and non-threatening.

These are our friends in the community:

Michel Sargent atloungemike@gmail.com 707-599-1668 (M)

Arcata Theatre Lounge info@arcatatheatre.com 707.822.1220 (W)

Owners Brian and Lara Cox lolastyle@hotmail.com

Bounty Killer, Our Latest "Entertainers"

2009-11-26T07:36:00.001-08:00

Here are some lyrics from Bounty Killer, another murder music outfit invited to perform in Arcata this weekend. For more info, see:

http://www.petertatchell.net/popmusic/bountykiller.htm

APPENDIX: Bounty Killer lyrics

Bounty Killer lyrics – and their meaning

Artist: Bounty Killer with Baby Cham
Song: Another Level
Album: Wow... The Story (Baby Cham)
Audio CD (October 24, 2000)
Original Release Date: October 24, 2000
Label: Artists Only Records
ASIN: B000050HYI

Excerpt

Bun a fire pon a kuh pon mister fagoty….

Poop man fi drown a dat a yawd man philosophy (Uh huh)

This means:

Burn the queer….

Men who have anal sex should be drowned, that’s a yardie man’s philospohy

Artist: Bounty Killer
Song: Look Good (track 7)
Album: Ghetto Dictionary: Art of War
Audio CD (May 28, 2002)
Label: V.P. Records
ASIN: B0000633G9

Excerpt

"wipe out the faggot with a pure laser beam"

Artist: Bounty Killer
Song: Mr. Wanna Be
Album: 5th Element
Audio CD (October 19, 1999)
Original Release Date: October 19, 1999
Label: Tvt
ASIN: B00000JZ26

Excerpt

Hear this likkle punk guh sing a battyman concept…

To kill dis yah fool, to me dat is no stress

Murder dem fast just like a Federal Express

This means:

Hear this little punk who sings a queer song…

To kill this fool, to me that is no stress

Murder him fast, like Federal Express

SHOW IS CANCELED!

2009-10-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

THE SHOW IS CANCELED! Thanks, everyone.

October 5th, 2009

TO: Todd Larsen/ Queer Humboldt
FROM: Carol Bruno/ People Productions
Gil Miracle/ Nocturnum

Greetings Todd,

This email is to confirm to you that after lengthy consideration, Gil and myself decided that we will cancel
the upcoming Buju Banton concert at the Nocturnum Nightclub scheduled for the October 11th, 2009.
We have been diligently speaking with the management and various activists over the past two weeks in an effort to help establish a dialogue for discussions. We care about our local gay community.
Buju did issue a statement today that we have forwarded to you today, but it doesn't change our decision.
We will continue towards positive, constructive solutions.
We regret any inconveniences this has caused to our community.

Green Party Presidential Candidate David Cobb speaks out

2009-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

(To read the original open letter, click here or at the link on the left.)

Thank you David Cobb!

David is nationally known as the 2004 Green Party Presidential candidate. He spoke out this morning on KMUD, letting people know the truth about Buju Banton and his murder music.

He urged people to stand with him and come to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday public comment period (1:30) and the Eureka City Council Tuesday meeting at 6, and he urged people to protest the concert if it is not canceled.

Arcata City Councillor Shane Brinton has already spoken out. I’m glad David Cobb has joined him, and I know others will follow.

SPEAK UP ON TUESDAY AND BEFORE

2009-10-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

(To read the original open letter, click here or at the link on the left.)

Let's speak up on Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors and the Eureka City Council meeting, so that they know we don't want Buju Banton and his murder music to spread hate in Eureka.

The Board of Supervisors meets on Tuesday on the first floor of the Courthouse at 825 Fifth Street in Eureka. A fifteen minute public comment period is scheduled for 1:30, and there is a sign up sheet outside. The more people who come, the more the Supervisors will understand how seriously we take this.

The Eureka City Council meets at 6PM at 531 K Street in Eureka.

You can also call the Supervisors or the City Council. Click here for contact information for the Supervisors, here for contact information for the Eureka City Councillors.

To email or phone the members of the Board of Supervisors:

Jimmy Smith, jrsmith@co.humboldt.ca.us , 707 476 2391
Clif Clendenen, cclendenen@co.humboldt.ca.us , 707 476 2392
Mark Lovelace, mlovelace@co.humboldt.ca.us , 707 476 2393
Bonnie Neely, bonnie.neely@co.humboldt.ca.us , 707 476 2394
Jill Duffy, jduffy@co.humboldt.ca.us , 707 476 2395

There is a link here to send email to the City Council and Mayor, or you can email them individually:

virginia@ci.eureka.ca.gov
lglass@ci.eureka.ca.gov
latkins@ci.eureka.ca.gov
jleonard@ci.eureka.ca.gov
fjager@ci.eureka.ca.gov
mjones@ci.eureka.ca.gov
cityclerk@ci.eureka.ca.gov

Council phone no.: (707) 441-4172
Mayor's phone no.: (707) 441-4200

AN OPEN LETTER TO HUMBOLDT

2009-10-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

On June 9 2004, Brian Williamson was found murdered at his home. Williamson was the public face of the gay rights movement in Jamaica, one of the most homophobic places on the planet. Rebecca Schleifer of Human Rights Watch arrived at Williamson's house to find a crowd singing and dancing.

People were singing a reggae song, Boom Bye Bye, written by Mark Myrie, a reggae performer who goes by the stage name Buju Banton.

This song calls for the murder of gay people, recommending the Uzi machine gun.

It calls for throwing acid in our faces.

Promoter Carol Bruno of People Productions is paying Buju Banton to perform in Eureka. Gil Miracle, owner of the new venue Nocturnum, has rented his space to Bruno. Local newspapers are carrying advertising.

Click here for national info from cancelbujubanton.wetpaint.com.

Bruno will tell you that Banton wrote Boom Bye Bye when he was fifteen. She won't tell you he still sells it and profits.

She'll tell you most of his songs are about peace and love. She won't tell you he says he's at war with the faggots.

Here's part of an open letter from Lorrie L. Jean, CEO of Los Angeles' gay and lesbian center. She's responding to an open letter from Banton's manager:

While 'setting the record straight,' you didn’t mention
that in 2007, when some of Banton’s European concerts were threatened with cancellation, he signed the 'Reggae Compassionate Act' (under his real name: Mark Myrie) agreeing (among other things) to never perform anti-gay songs. Perhaps you neglected to mention this, because just weeks later, Banton denied he ever signed it and continued to perform 'Boom, Bye Bye.'

He was videotaped singing it in Miami in 2006, and sang it in Guyana in 2007.

In 2005, Banton was personally involved in an attack on six gay men in Jamaica.

Here's a quote from Amnesty International's 2005 Annual Report:

"popular musician Buju Banton was charged with assaulting six men who he alleged were homosexuals. His song lyrics repeatedly advocated violence against gay men and lesbians."

Bruno will tell you Banton was never convicted. She won't tell you that the witnesses never showed at trial. One man lost an eye.

Imagine for a moment if a singer were coming to town who advocated the violent murder of interracial couples, who'd written a song that was played as a celebration at such murders, who refused to renounce violence against such couples, and who still profited from the song.

Imagine that the singer's promoter explained that most of his songs were about God's love, and complained that interracial couples couldn't just "get over it."

Imagine that the singer had personally been involved in a violent assault on an interracial couple, in which one lost an eye.

How would you feel? How would you feel if you were part of an interracial couple, or had a friend or friends in one?

I understand that many of those who will go to the concert (if it happens) are not anti-gay. Many will have heard and believed the lies that Bruno and others spread in order to make blood money off performances by people like Banton. Many will idealistically defend free speech and the right of an artist to "freedom of expression."

If this concert goes on, I know there will be a large group outside Nocturnum, exercising our rights to freedom of expression as well. Our point will be simple: if you won't renounce your advocacy of our murder, we don't want you in Eureka.

PROTEST IN FRONT OF
NOCTURNUM IN EUREKA,
SUNDAY OCT. 11, 8PM.

SILENCE EQUALS DEATH

Click here for national info from cancelbujubanton.wetpaint.com.