Fri 4 Dec 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Green MP Kevin Hague, who led the calls to prevent controversial performer Beenie Man from coming to New Zealand for the Big Day Out Festival in 2009 says Raggamuffin has “made absolutely the right decision” in removing him from the lineup. Hague says he is passionate about this issue because “to allow homophobic hate speech to go unchallenged and without consequence would contribute to a toxic social environment. “This in turn erodes the self esteem of young queer people and gives heart to those with prejudiced views,” he says. “Both contribute to violence, suicide, mental health and AOD problems, and many other negative effects.” Outline’s Trevor Easton also believes Raggamuffin Festival have done the right thing and says it will be great to have a lesbian performer at the festival. Raggamuffin spokesperson Brotha D (Danny Leaoasavaii) says: “We took the concerns of the gay community very seriously and sought to address them with Beenie Man. “Raggamuffin is a family festival and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or sexuality. After being made fully aware of his past comments and lyrics, and continued homophobic attitude the Raggamuffin team made the decision to remove him from the festival line-up.” There has been mixed reaction to Beenie Man’s removal from the Ragamuffin lineup, with some Beenie Man fans taking to Facebook to air their disappointment and in some cases, their disapproval of homosexual relationships. New Zealand LGBTI personality Steven Oates commented on the Facebook post congratulating Ragamuffin and writes: “You cant please everyone, but being a socially conscious and inclusive festival is sooo much more enlightened and exciting than the negativity of the past. See you in February!” Others have expressed their excitement that Diana King is on the lineup and say they are really looking forward to seeing her perform at the festival. Raggamuffin Festival takes place February 20 at Auckland's Trust Stadium.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 4th December 2015 - 10:24am