Anti-gay stars blamed over Aids

Homophobic reggae stars are fuelling the spread of HIV and Aids among black men, a government minister warned today.

The lyrics of stars such as Sizzla and Beenie Man have sent out a clear message that gays should be taunted or even killed.

Many Caribbean men now feel too scared to get themselves tested for the virus, which is still perceived as a "gay disease".

Gareth Thomas, the British ministerfor international development, told a gathering on the tiny island of St Kitts that reggae stars were doing huge damage to the health of their nation. The minister said: "A number of artistes are effectively contributing to the spread of HIV by producing reggae and rap songs encouraging discrimination against those who have Aids, and encouraging violence against minority groups such as men who have sex with men."

HIV and Aids are spreading faster in the Caribbean than anywhere else in the world except for sub-Saharan Africa.

Up to three per cent of some Caribbean communities are infected.