AGROUP of Jamaicans in Miami have launched a petition to allow deejaysBuju Banton and Beenie Man to appear on the October 31 Reggae Bash showin that Florida city.

The group has sent a letter to Miamimayor, Manuel Diaz, and Carlos Alvarez, mayor of Miami/Dade County,asking for their support. The show is scheduled for the James L. KnightCenter.

Equality Florida, a gay rights group, told the Miami Herald that Banton has a history of abusing homosexuals. It pointed to his infamous 1992 anti-gay song, Boom Bye Bye, as evidence.

Forgotten matter

ButAndrew Minott of Global Vybz Entertainment, promoters of the show,countered by saying the song was done almost 20 years ago and thatBanton no longer performs it at concerts.

"The song wasforgotten about. Because they are making it a big issue it's come tothe forefront. Let sleeping dogs lie," Minott said.

According to the Miami Herald, the car dealership, Toyota of Hollywood, has ordered three of its salesmen to withdraw support for the concert.

Several calls by The Gleaner to Banton's manager, Tracii McGregor, were not returned.

EqualityFlorida is the latest gay organisation in the United States tochallenge Banton's American tour, which is in support of his Rasta Got Soul album.

InAugust, promoters Live Nation and AEG cancelled dates in Los Angeles,San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas and Houston,following robust protests by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

Backlash forcing hand

Thegay backlash has forced the singjay's management to reschedule shows inother major cities such as Salt Lake City, Utah, Richmond, Virginia andColumbus, Ohio.

Banton and other dancehall acts, includingSizzla and Capleton, have been dogged by gay activists in the UnitedStates and Europe for several years. In 2007, gay rights groups draftedthe Reggae Compassionate Act, which called for dancehall acts to showmore tolerance towards homosexuals.

Banton has denied signing it, but the Miami Herald published a section of the document with the signature Mark Myrie (Banton's real name) affixed to it.