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City demands 'anti-gay' music ban
Brighton will be the first UK city to demand that music retailers ban reggae and rap albums with "anti-gay" lyrics.
Brighton and Hove City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to write to the managing directors of its three largest stores condemning the music. It urged them not to stock artists such as Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, TOK, Vybz and Bounty Killer.
The Green Party, which put forward the motion, said the music "incites the murder of lesbians and gay men". Green councillor Simon Williams, who tabled the motion, said: "This unanimous vote by all parties in the council is a significant victory in the long battle against murder and hate music.
He admitted the council did not have the power to force the three stores - Virgin Megastore, HMV and MVC - not to sell the music. But he said the vote "sends retailers a very strong message that Brighton and Hove cares deeply about this issue".
Story from BBC |
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What can you sing?
Read more about 'Hate Music' and the limits to musical expression |
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