News Digest

Let’s talk about it: Elton John wants face-to-face with Putin over gay rights

Sir Elton John has said he wants to hold talks with Vladimir Putin over what he called the Russian president’s “ridiculous” stance on gay rights. The Rocket Man singer extended the offer after speaking at a conference in neighbouring Ukraine, where he met the country’s president Petro Poroshenko to lobby him about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Sir Elton accused Mr Putin of saying “stupid things” in reference to his warning to gay people travelling to the Winter Olympics to “leave the children in peace”.

I would like to meet (Mr Putin). It’s probably pie in the sky … He may laugh behind my back when he shuts the door, and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can think I have the conscience to say I tried.

Elton John

Russia has passed a law banning homosexual “propaganda” among children in June 2013, sparking an international outcry. Homophobia is also rife in Ukraine, although Sir Elton thanked Mr Poroshenko for his support after meeting him. He said: "Specifically, I asked him to: 1. Ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexuality and gender identity. 2. Provide criminal penalties for hate crimes.“ Earlier this year, Sir Elton temporarily boycotted Dolce and Gabbana after the fashion designers called children conceived by IVF "synthetic”. He has two sons, Zachary, four, and Elijah, two, with husband David Furnish.

We need Ukrainian businessmen and power brokers to create a more inclusive and tolerant society. We need this everywhere!

Elton John