Mutabaruka rejects flying of ‘gay’ flag, but questions AG on legal grounds

The outspoken poet and philosopher described the flag flying as legally permissible by the US Embassy despite his personal views rejecting homosexuality.

“We totally reject the flying of the flag,” he said on his late-night talk show on Irie FM Wednesday night.

“But I do not know of any law that says you cannot fly that flag in Jamaica,” he added.

The US Embassy raised the rainbow flag at half mast in solidarity with the 49 killed and scores injured in the shooting of a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida on the weekend. Malahoo Forte triggered controversy when she criticised the move, describing it as “disrespectful” of Jamaican laws.

“I need to get some legal advise. If a man a walk down the street with a flag like that, can police lock him up. I know of no such law,” he said about the controversy now taken up the international media including USA Today and BBC.

Muta, a respected Rastafarian advisor and logical thinker, sought to clarify his position, arguing that he agrees with Forte on cultural grounds but departs from her on legal grounds.

“The lady is totally right, she is totally right to say weh she say. But do not say it is a law that the Americans cannot fly it,” he further added. “We must realise that they are pushing their agenda…we done agree that we not into any homosexuality and if you have a referendum most Jamaicans are not into homosexuality.”