Members of the reggae industry have refused to release or promote allegedly homophobic material.

A deal has been struck between gay rights groups and the industry's tour promoters and record companies following protests by the Stop Murder Music Coalition.

The Coalition, including Outrage!, J-Flag and the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group, has reached a verbal agreement with managers of eight major stars, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and Elephant Man. While the artists themselves have not directly agreed to the situation, the record companies have pledged not to release offensive material.

"The reggae industry will work with the artists while still maintaining their freedom of speech and artistic freedom," said PR strategist Glen Yearwood, who is representing the industry.

Outrage!'s Brett Lock commented: "The main players in the dancehall reggae industry will attempt to regulate the industry themselves to ensure that there aren't any violently homophobic or gay-bashing lyrics in the future.

"As a gesture of good faith, the Stop Murder Music coalition has agreed to suspend our aggressive campaigning against murder music.

"So we shall not be picketing concerts or calling for prosecutions to give the industry the space to regulate and reform itself."