has spurred a local group to complain to the United Nations.

The refusal to revoke a permit issued to Shabba Ranks shows Government is "unconcerned about the issue of securing gay rights in Bermuda,'' the Bermuda Human Rights Alliance said esterday.

The Alliance has instructed its US attorneys to file resolutions "at the United Nations on our behalf to petition the Bermuda Government to repeal the relevant sections of the Bermuda Penal code by force''.

The Alliance, an anonymous group made up of gay and lesbian Bermuda professionals, wants Government to change a law that makes consensual sex between adult males a crime.

The Alliance was infuriated when Government Ministers said Jamaican-born reggae singer Shabba Ranks can perform at the National Stadium on March 26, despite recent anti-gay remarks.

In December, Mr. Ranks said fellow reggae singer Buju Banton was "most definitely right'' in advocating killing gay men, and that "if you forfeit the laws of God Almighty you deserve crucifixion.'' He later apologised and said he did not "approve of any acts of violence against homosexuals or any other human beings.'' The Alliance will petition the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the Sub-Commission, and the Secretary General over the gay sex law without delay, the news release said.

"We also intend to file a similar petition with the European Human Rights Commission, to which the United Kingdom is a signatory on Bermuda's behalf''.

If the reggae concert proceeds, the Alliance has urged Bermudians to boycott it.