Several Jamaican artists accused of making homophobic remarks are in the spotlight in Germany, following a debate launched in the Bundestag (the German parliament), notably by the Greens, on the situation of homosexuals on the island.
In response, the federal government has announced that in the coming months it will examine the possibility of placing certain artists' albums under a special distribution regime. The recordings of Elephant Man, T.O.K, Sizzla, Beenie Man and Capleton, who were explicitly named, could then be entered in the register of materials or media inciting violence and hatred and posing a potential danger, particularly to the very young. While this is not outright censorship, the measure would nonetheless considerably restrict the distribution, promotion and sale of the listed artists' albums.
Volker Beck, leader of the Greens' parliamentary group, bases his arguments on the fact that major online retail sites have already blacklisted the incriminated artists. He declared last week: "Those who call for hatred in Jamaica should not be able to make money from their music in Germany."