Members of the gay and lesbian community have been protesting against Buju Banton's concerts across the United States and now they are against his Grammy nomination.

The Recording Academy announced last Wednesday that Banton's 2009 album Rasta Got Soul was nominated for Best Reggae Album. Days later, on their website, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center condemned the nomination, saying it is appalling. The statement on their website said Banton's music glorifies the violent murder of gays and lesbians and he should not be nominated for a Grammy Award, regardless of the artistic merit of any of his work.

But a representative from Gargamel Music, the label behind the album, released a statement showing support for Banton's nomination.

"Gargamel Music, Inc. is extremely proud of Buju Banton's recent Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album for Rasta Got Soul. The fact that this is Buju Banton's fourth nomination by the Recording Academy is a testament to his artistic excellence and career-long commitment to making quality music that can indeed touch the world."