Gay hate dancehall star refused European entry visa
The Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany (LSVD) has said it has been told by the country’s Interior Ministry that homophobic Jamaican performer Sizzla will not be granted a Schengen visa for his proposed European tour this month.
The German Foreign Office also phoned the gay rights group to say that their embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, confirmed that the singer has songs in his repertoire that meet the legal criterion of “incitement of the people.”
The Schengen Agreement between 29 nations on the continent of Europe allows free movement across their borders.
A common Schengen visa allows tourists access to all the countries party to the agreement.
“The Jamaican citizen Miguel Collins (Sizzla Kalonji) calls in several of his songs for the murder and homicide of gays,” said an LSVD spokesman.
“It appears that Sizzla’s name is now in the Schengen information system, with the consequence that he does not receive entry in the Schengen zone.
“Into this non-public data base persons are registered, that among other things are unwanted or have an outstanding arrest warrant in Schengen zone.
“The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) communicated to us today, that due to our letter to BMI and the Foreign Office (AA) – responsible for the granting of visas – ” the necessary legal measures for the prevention of entry in the Schengen zone have been taken.”
“At the end of March we had asked BMI and AA for exactly this outcome.”
In July 2007 artists Beenie Man, Sizzla and Capleton, who had previously released anti-gay hate songs, including incitements to murder lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, signed up to the Reggae Compassion Act, in a deal brokered with top reggae promoters and Stop Murder Music activists.
The Act reads:
“It must be clear there’s no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence, sexism or homophobia.
“We do not encourage nor minister to HATE but rather uphold a philosophy of LOVE, RESPECT and UNDERSTANDING towards all human beings as the cornerstone of reggae.
“We agree to not make statements or perform songs that incite hatred or violence against anyone from any community.”
However, in October planned Sizzla concerts in Toronto were banned. All five dates of the star’s 2004 UK tour were cancelled after gay rights activists protested against his presence.
The fight against other homophobic performers continues.
“The other four murder music artists – Elephant Man, TOK, Bounty Killa and Vybz Kartel – have not signed the Reggae Compassion Act,” said activist Peter Tatchell.
“These singers have incited the murder of lesbians and gays. They should not be rewarded with concerts or sponsorship deals.
“The Stop Murder Music campaign urges organisations worldwide to intensify the campaign to cancel these singers’ concerts and their record, sponsorship and advertising deals.”
