The fight against anti-gay "murder music", which often glorifies violence and murder of gay men, continues to hit reggae artists in their wallets. Germany becomes the latest nation to take a stand and will "blacklist" and "restrict [the] sales and distribution" of several anti-gay reggae artists whose music is "intended to induce hate." From the English version of Deutsche Welle.
The CDs by Elephant Man and T.O.K. could be put on the "Index of Harmful Materials," which, while it would not censor the materials in Germany, would severely limit their advertising and marketing.
The Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons will decide over the next several months if the music will be included on the index, the government said in its response to a parliamentary inquiry.
The index includes items such as media which glorify war and violence and are intended to induce hate.
Elephant Man and TOK, in particular, are learning the hard way that it no longer pays to sing songs that promote anti-gay violence. In April, Rod 2.0 reported iTunes Canada removed reggae albums with "anti-gay lyrics from its online store," including albums by Elephant Man, TOK and Buju Banton. Elephant Man's track "Log On" contains the lyrics "Dance wi a dance and a bun out a freaky man", or "Join our dance and let's burn out the queer man." Anti-gay Jamaican reggae singer Bounty Killer is also losing money after recent concerts were canceled in England and the government of Guyana issued a ban on the controversial singer.
"Those in Jamaica who invoke hatred should not earn money with their music in Germany," says Volker Beck, the leader of the Green Party in parliament.
Reggae CDs Under German Scrutiny for Anti-Gay Lyrics [DW]
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