Damian Marley has defended reggae songs which advocate "burning" gays, because the lyrics are metaphorical and spiritual.

The WELCOME TO JAMROCK hitmaker insists no reggae stars incite violence against the homosexual community - the lyrics simply refer to damnation in the afterlife.

He says, "When they speak of fire, part of it comes from the deejay battling culture and trying to get an immediate crowd response at the dance. But another part comes from faith.

"The churches all speak against homosexuality. But you don't walk around Jamaica and see homosexuals hanging from the lampposts. It's a spiritual burning."