Television Jamaica (TVJ) has been criticised by Gleaner online columnist Michael Abrahams for censoring a gay man’s tribute after winning several awards at the Grammys two Sundays ago.

British singer Sam Smith was nominated for six Grammys from his album 'In The Lonely Hour'. He took home four awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

In one of his acceptance speeches, Smith said, "Just a quick one: I want to thank the man who this record is about, who I fell in love with last year.

Thank you so much for breaking my heart, because you got me four Grammys."

But the muting of the comment on TVJ has earned the ire of Abrahams, who is a gynaecologist and comedian.

“Censoring a gay recording artiste for recognising his inspiration can not only be viewed as bigoted, but also ridiculously hypocritical,” writes Abrahams in his column which is published today in the Commentary section of The Gleaner.

He also called out the station for, ironically, depicting other 'sexual sins' such as fornication and adultery, as well as rape, assault and battery and murder.

READ: Gay singers win awards, too. Deal with it.

Abrahams said television stations that are unwilling to carry programmes without the heavy hand of the censor shouldn’t bid for rights in the first place.

“If a television station displays such an attitude towards gays, it would be appropriate to not seek exclusive rights to broadcast programmes where people are likely to make any mention of their orientation,” he writes.

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