Counterprotests at Britain's MOBO Awards over exclusion of reggae acts with homophobic lyrics

Following complaints from British gay rights activist group OutRage! Jamaican reggae stars Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel were dropped from consideration from this year's Music of Black Origin Awards in the United Kingdom. But BBC News reports that counterprotesters waved banners at Thursday night's MOBO ceremonies to support the ousted artists. "Defend Reggae Music" and "Enraged by OutRage!" were among the banners carried by 30 protesters aligned with the Black Music Council. Peter Tatchell of OutRage! did not attend the awards but said he was "appalled" by the group's actions. "OutRage! defends the right of artists to criticize homosexuality, but free speech does not include the right to commit the criminal offense of incitement to murder," Tatchell said. "The MOBOs are to be congratulated for dropping Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel." Sean Paul won in the reggae category, beating out the only other remaining nominee, Toots and the Maytals.