Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, has called for a review of Jamaica’s “bad word law“.
The Towns and Communities Act of 1843 makes it illegal to use profane, indecent, or obscene language in public, with offenders facing fines or imprisonment. Despite the need for a review, Grange urges entertainers to avoid using profanity on stage and deliver clean and exciting content to their audiences.
The issue came into focus again when dancehall artiste Bayka had to cut short his performance at Reggae Sumfest after using profanity on stage. Although several other entertainers used similar language during their sets, Bayka was the only one charged under the archaic law. Grange acknowledges that the definition of profanity can be subjective, but until the law changes, entertainers have a responsibility to please their audiences and not resort to using curse words.
Critics have called for updating or repealing the law, with some suggesting a venue exemption clause for venues exclusively occupied by consenting adults. Attorney-at-law Kimberley Brown suggests considering exceptions for venues accessible by the public but occupied only by adults who consent to hearing obscenity. Grange’s call for a review reflects the need for a balanced approach to protecting public decency while allowing creative expression within the entertainment industry.
