Recent reports of homophobic attacks in Russia have surged past the point of prejudice, where gay right have dwindled down to next to nothing. In an effort to combat this piano virtuoso Elton John has offered to meet in person with Russian president Vladimir Putin to promote gay rights in the country.
Sir Elton’s defensive stance follows up on Putin’s passing of a law in June 2013 that made it legal to prosecute individuals promoting “homosexual behavior among minors.”
In an interview with the BBC, the musician said he would welcome talks with Putin even thought “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.”
John said that the Russian president’s “ridiculous” attitude toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-sexual (LGBT) community was “isolating and prejudiced,” citing evidence from a report by the Human Rights Watch last year that showed clear signs of a rise in attacks against minorities.
“Give me a break,” John said. “You are President of Russia and you go and say stupid things like that?”
Sir Elton is currently in Ukraine awaiting Putin’s response, calling on business leaders not to shy away from LGBT issues of national importance.
Image Courtesy of INFphoto.com