Beanie Man is banned from performing in NZ and Uk because of his gay homosexual songs http://www.3news.co.nz/Beenie-....lt.aspx
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The Big Day Out music festival is facing pressure to get rid of one performer called Beenie Man.
The reggae musician has been banned from playing in other countries for his strong anti-gay views, and critics say he should get the same treatment here.
He is recognised as a skilled musician but it is his lyrics that are causing a stir.
“'Hang a lesbian by the longest rope, if you're gay you're going to take a bullet’ - it goes beyond homophobia,” says Jay Bennie from Gaynz.com.
A Facebook group protesting against Beenie Man's Big Day Out appearance is rapidly gaining traction, with over 1000 members since starting on Tuesday.
“The Big Day Out is one of my favourites,” says protestor Kat Jenkins
“For me it’s my favourite day of the year and so to have someone there saying they want to hang and murder some of my best friends is just wrong!"
Organisers released a statement saying the Big Day Out's core values include those of tolerance and understanding.
Since signing the Reggae Compassionate Act in 2007, Beenie Man has stayed true to his word in not performing the offending songs.
The trouble is, the Jamaican press has reported Beenie Man saying he never signed that document.
But whether he signed it or not, many reggae fans are still hopeful he will perform in New Zealand.
“It’s a shame there’s been such a negative reaction to a small part of this artist’s career and his message,” says Beenie Man fan Anand Naran.
“On the whole, I think he's a really good artist.”
Big Day Out organisers have sent a message to Beenie Man to find out if he will be performing any anti-gay songs, and will make a decision on his appearance once they hear back."
