KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Equality for All Foundation (EFAF), formerly J-FLAG, Monday called on the Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport Minister. Daryl Vaz, to apologize after he allegedly encouraged a song that is widely known to advocate for violence against LGBTQ+ persons to be played at a ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rally on Sunday.
The song, Chi Chi Man, released more than two decades ago, has faced backlash for its perceived promotion of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. In Jamaica, the term’ chi man’ is a derogatory slang used to describe gay or effeminate men.
In a statement, EFAF executive director Glenroy Murray condemned Vaz’s decision to play the song at the JLP’s rally in Clarendon South Eastern after he finished his address to supporters.
“In the previous elections, both political parties very publicly declared that homophobia was inappropriate on the campaign trail following some unfortunate comments made in East Central St. Catherine. Fast forward five years, and we are seeing a homophobic song being teased at another rally.
“There is a clear need for stronger guidelines on what is to be expected on the campaign trail. And the question we must ask ourselves, why is this kind of rhetoric needed?” said Murray, adding, “Our political leaders are expected to conduct themselves at a higher standard. In the excitement of politics, they should not seek to undo the slow progress we as a society have worked hard to achieve.”
EFAF noted that in a 2023 public perception survey, there was an increase in the number of Jamaicans who are willing to support a Member of Parliament who would protect LGBTQ+ persons from violence and discrimination.
“EFAF is calling on MP Daryl Vaz to apologize to the Jamaican people for words and actions that are unbecoming of his office. EFAF is also calling on the Office of the Political Ombudsman, alongside the leaders of both political parties, to issue a clear statement that the use of homophobic or any other discriminatory language (whether spoken or in music) targeting a person or community is no longer an acceptable feature of our politics,” it added.
Meanwhile, the human rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has also condemned Vaz over his actions, saying, “We share EFAF’s profound disappointment in the use of any homophobic slur and rhetoric that incite violence against LGBTQ+ persons, a regressive act that undermines Jamaica’s Journey toward inclusivity, equality, and justice for all.JFJ strongly supports EFAF’s demand for an immediate apology from MP Vaz for actions that have been unbecoming in his office.
“Such behavior is particularly egregious from those entrusted to lead the charge in advancing legislative protections, including the urgent need for an anti-discrimination law and amendments to the Jamaican Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation explicitly,” JFJ said.
It said that these progressive steps are essential to ensuring freedom from discrimination for all Jamaicans.
“When political leaders engage in or endorse discriminatory rhetoric, they not only betray their responsibility to champion these changes but also erode public confidence in the potential for societal and behavioral change, among others. If those tasked with shaping our laws act in ways that perpetuate harm, how can we expect broader societal progress?” JFJ added.
JFJ called for the Office of the Political Ombudsman and the leadership of both political parties to issue clear guidelines prohibiting homophobic or discriminatory language, whether spoken or through music, on the campaign trail.
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