Coalition Protests Reggae Musician Buju Banton

GLN IN THE PRESS

Coalition Protests Reggae Musician

by Amy Wooten

2006-09-20 Windy City Times - LINK

House of Blues, Chicago, Buju Banton protest

As Jamaican reggae musician Buju Banton performed inside of the House of Blues on Wed., Sept. 13, more than 15 members of the Gay Liberation Network ( GLN ) and Black LGBT & Allies for Equality protested outside, furious that a local music venue would allow an artist that urges the killing of LGBT people in his lyrics to perform.

This was the fourth time in two years that GLN protested outside of a concert by a performer who advocates violence against gays. GLN is currently trying to negotiate with Live Nation, which is in the process of purchasing the House of Blues. So far, the organization has been disappointed by Live Nation’s response.

In Indiana, local gay groups were able to stop Banton from performing. The musician’s Sept. 14 show at The Bluebird was cancelled due to pressure placed on the venue through protests by the Hoosier Rights Campaign and OUT. Gay rights activist Morgan Tilleman of the Hoosier Rights Campaign reports that the manager of club in Bloomington said that he had not heard of the controversy about Banton until news reached him of the then-upcoming protest in Chicago.

“It’s sad that we’re out here again,” said local out musician Scott Free, who joined in the protest.

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