Singer Buju Banton will perform during the "Rome Meets the World" event in Rome. His performance is scheduled for Thursday, June 29.
Buju Banton (Mark Anthony Myrie) He is the author of numerous homophobic songs that incite hatred towards homosexuals. Many of his lyrics call for the killing of gays, for example, saying: ""shooting them in the head, pouring acid on them, setting them on fire and burning them like old car tires"", the American section of Amnesty International also intervened against his songs on 19 August 2004, led by Susan Lee (Programming Manager for the Americas, International Secretariat).
Furthermore, the European Parliament also expressed its opinion against such acts with the Resolution against homophobia of January 18, 2006 which unfortunately has not yet been incorporated into our legal system.
“In Jamaica, the historic homeland of Bob Marley and reggae – declares Fabrizio Marrazzo, president of Arcigay Rome – A veritable anti-gay "witch hunt" is underway. Last summer, the organizers of the Rome Meets the World event had already invited the homophobic singer to perform. Sizzla, raising concerns among the homosexual community"”.
The living conditions of homosexual people in Jamaica are truly dramatic.: 151 gay men were beaten in Jamaica last year, 6 killed, and sentenced to 10 years in prison or hard labor under a 140-year-old anti-sodomy law still in force.
“It is absurd that this insult against lesbians and gays is being repeated again this year. – adds Marrazzo – We hope the organizers will reconsider and cancel the concert. Otherwise, we will protest. June 24th at Pride We are against this concert and will ask the city administration to withdraw its sponsorship. Why would anyone support an event that hosts such a show? Homophobia and homosexual murders are a scourge for our city; we don't think it's appropriate to host figures who incite hatred.”.