Kingston, Jamaica – Equality for All Foundation (EFAF), formerly J-FLAG, is calling on Cabinet Minister Daryl Vaz to issue a public apology for allegedly encouraging the playing of a song widely known to advocate for violence against LGBTQ+ persons.

At a Jamaica Labour Party rally in Clarendon South Eastern on Sunday, Vaz, after concluding his speech, requested the DJ to play dancehall group TOK’s 2001 hit Chi Chi Man, a song notorious for its anti-gay lyrics.

“Soundman, you think me can come off this stage and you nuh run Chi Chi Man, ah mad yuh mad man,” Vaz appears to tell the DJ to shouts of approval from Labourites.

Equality for All Foundation, in a statement on Monday, condemned the act, noting that this represents not only a step backwards for Jamaica’s politics but for the country at large.

“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 we’re 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 at all?” said Glenroy Murray, EFAF executive director.

“Our political leaders are expected to conduct themselves at a higher standard, and they should not, in the excitement of politics, seek to undo the slow progress we as a society have worked hard to achieve,” Murray added.

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 issue an apology 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.

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has also joined EFAF in condemning Vaz, stating: “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 unbecoming of his office. Such behaviour 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 explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation,” JFJ said.

“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 behavioural 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.