Russian parents’ group demand ban on Elton John for 'supporting sodomites'

'I must go': Elton John is due to perform in Moscow and Kazan (Reuters)

A Russian parents’ committee has asked President Vladimir Putin to cancel a planned concert by gay musician Elton John, saying he intended to violate a ban on “homosexual propaganda”.

In an open letter to Putin, the local parents’ group in the central Ural region was reported as saying: “The singer intends to come out in support of local sodomites and break the current Russian law, directed at protecting children.”

Critics say the law banning gay “propaganda” among minors – which has prompted calls for a boycott of Russia’s hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics – is discriminatory, barring people from being open about their sexual orientation.

The law is part of a broader attempt by Putin to win over Russians in the mostly conservative country following protests against his rule among urban and often middle class voters over his return to the Kremlin last May.

The parents’ committee was unavailable for comment despite repeated phone calls.

Sir Elton John has said he wants to perform in Russia to support the gay community.

“As a gay man, I can’t leave those people on their own without going over there and supporting them. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’ve got to go,” he said an the interview.

John is scheduled to perform on 6 December in Moscow and 7 December in Kazan.

Reuters