Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) leaders in America have urged musicians to sign a new petition protesting homophobic reggae star Buju Banton's Grammy Award nomination.
The advocacy organisation is also calling on Recording Academy members not to support the nomination of Banton's Rasta Got Soul album in the Best Reggae Album category.
GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios says, "Reggae singer Buju Banton’s anti-gay lyrics and the climate of hatred they create are a threat to the safety of gay and transgender people everywhere.
"In a climate of increased anti-gay violence in America and Banton’s home country of Jamaica, it is deeply disappointing that the Recording Academy would choose to laud the work of a singer who has advocated violence against the gay community."
The petition and anti-Grammy campaign is the latest in the battle between gay rights groups and Banton, who was forced to reschedule a series of U.S. shows earlier this year (09) when GLAAD official persuaded many venues to ban his act.