Indiana club
cancels performance of homophobic reggae singer

A performance by gay-hating singer Buju Banton that was scheduled to take place September 14 at Bloomington, Ind.'s Blue Bird Club was canceled amid protests by angry gay activists, according to Chicago's Gay Liberation Network.

On Wednesday, September 13, activists protested outside a Chicago House of Blues in advance of a Banton performance there that night. When the manager of the Blue Bird Club became aware of the House of Blues protest and the community's anger over the reggae singer's performances, he canceled Thursday night's show at his club.

Morgan Tilleman of the Hoosier Rights Campagin reported that upon Thursday's canceled performance, gays and their supporters swamped the club to show their appreciation for the Blue Bird management.

Banton, along with other reggae entertainers like Beenie Man and Sizzla, advocate the death of gays in many of their lyrics. In Banon's song "Boom Bye Bye," Banton urges people to shoot gay men in the head, pour acid over them, and bury them alive. (The Advocate)