WTNH - Protest held outside concert in New Haven

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WTNH


Protest held outside concert in New Haven


(New Haven-WTNH, Nov. 20, 2005 11:30 PM) A controversial reggae artist is drawing more than fans to a performance at a New Haven nightspot.


One group is protesting the rapper's performance due to what they call homophobic lyrics.

by News Channel 8's Jamie Muro


For years, gay activist groups have said that Buju Banton's 1992 song Boom Bye Bye incites the killing of gay and lesbian people.

"1,2,3,4... send Buju out the door."

It's rhythmic protest.

"5,6,7,8... tell Toad's to stop the hate."

Hugh Baran is with the Queer Political Action Committee or QPAC of Yale. He and a handful of other students are upset Toad's Place is hosting Jamaican Reggae artist Buju Banton, an entertainer long accused of being violently homophobic.

"Buju is inciting people violence against gay people, and if we're denouncing Buju here, there's a reason," says Baran.

And while QPAC was exercising their first amendment rights, so were some of those paying the price for admission.

"So seeing that he's here, why discriminate against him," says Devorah E. Walters.

Devorah E. Walters says she respects the right of free speech, but does not agree with what some of the signs are saying.

"I don't think the liberty of homosexuals is correct as far as man on man and women on women. I think you can't have a family that way," says Walters.

Regardless of opinion, the rhythm continued... inside - for those wanting to see Buju...

"If they're going to protest, let them go ahead, I'll be in there partying," says Walters.

And outside for those protesting that reggae should not be anti-gay.

"He has every right to say what he wants, but Toad's has the moral duty to say no. To not host him and other singers just like him," says Baran.

News Channel 8 spoke with a representative from Toad's Place who says that they have spoken with Buju Banton's people and that he will not be singing any song of hatred against any group. The rep says that Banton's people say that is part of his past.