Ministry of Industry and Tourism

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Minister of Industry and Tourism, Aloun Ndombet Assamba, has said that the government of Jamaica did not condone violence against any individual or group and stoutly denied that there was a systematic campaign in Jamaica against homosexuals.

"I will say, bring me the proof of this. There is no move afoot to seek out and bring violence to homosexuals. I want to make it very clear, I don't think that it can be shown in the last 10 to 15 years that there has been any evidence of any community or groups of people, who have gone out of their way to cause bodily harm to anybody because of their sexual orientation," she stated.

The Minister was speaking to journalists in the United Kingdom following a community meeting at the offices of the Jamaica High Commission in London recently.

Gay rights groups in the United Kingdom have initiated a campaign against a number of Jamaican musicians for the anti-gay lyrics in their songs.

"We recognise that there are groups that have indicated that some lyrics are offensive to them and we are working with our artistes. The government does not condone violence against any group or any individuals. Our artistes have a wide repertoire.

They have music that does not preach violence. Many of them have apologised and have indicated that in the future they will take a certain direction. I want to ask that they be given a chance to do this. Don't condemn them for what they have done in the past and give them an opportunity to do this," the Tourism Minister stated.

She stressed that contrary to allegations, there was no systematic seeking out of homosexuals to destroy them.

"We need to look at the facts. There is no effort to seek out and bring violence to anybody in Jamaica who is gay. The evidence is there and people need to recognise that there is no systematic seeking out of homosexuals to destroy them," the Minister stated.

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