Elton John used his sold-out show in Moscow on Friday night as an opportunity to criticize Russia’s controversial laws banning the “propaganda of homosexuality” to minors.
“You’ve always embraced me and you have never judged me,” he said in reference to a long line of visits to Moscow, Agence France-Presse reported.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the (homosexual) community here in Russia,” he said. “In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating. Harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.”
Mr. John refrained from criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He concluded the speech by dedicating his concert to Vladislav Tornovoi, a 23-year-old Russian who was killed earlier this year by two friends for being gay, AFP reported.
Mr. John, who is openly gay and in a civil partnership with filmmaker David Furnish, was expected to repeat a similar message in Tatarstan on Saturday night, the report said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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