EURweb reports that reggae signer Buju Banton is set to go on trial Oct. 19 for his alleged role in a 2004 attack against a group of gay men in Jamaica.
Banton, 31, and another defendant, Horace Hill, have both pleaded not guilty to charges of beating six gay men in June 2004 in the Red Hills Road section of Kingston. A spokesperson for local gay rights group, J-Flag, said one of the men reported the incident to the police, which resulted in the pair’s arrest on Sept. 23.
Banton has been a target for gay rights advocates since his 1994 anti-homosexual anthem, “Boom Bye Bye”, was released containing lyrics about shooting gays. Last year, the artist, along with dancehall acts Capleton and Sizzla, were forced to cancel dates in Europe and North America after gay groups alleged their music promoted violence against homosexuals.
