Elton offers to bring Putin, gays together

This October 30, 2013 file photo shows entertainer Elton John speaking during a panel discussion after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rockefeller Foundation in Washington. Photo: Alex Brandon

This October 30, 2013 file photo shows entertainer Elton John speaking during a panel discussion after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rockefeller Foundation in Washington. Photo: Alex Brandon

Published Jan 23, 2014

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Singer-songwriter Elton John is declaring his support of the Russian people, and he says they still accept him despite that country's harsh new anti-gay law.

Passed last year, the so-called “gay propaganda” law bans promotion of “non-traditional sexual relations” to minors.

John said on Wednesday that he visited Russia in December concerned that the new law would affect how he was treated as “an openly gay foreigner.” He says he received a warm welcome.

But if foreign visitors are unaffected by the law, John says it has legitimised “vicious homophobia” against gay Russians.

John calls the legislation “deeply dangerous” to the gay and lesbian community, and “deeply divisive” to Russian society.

He volunteered to introduce Russian President Vladimir Putin to gay Russians to help promote understanding. -

Sapa-AP

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