Elton John rubbishes Vladimir Putin's claims he has 'gay friends'

dailymail.co.uk ^ | January 23, 2014 | Simon Tomlinson

[Tailgunner Joe]

Elton John has spoken out against Russia's ban on homosexual propaganda by dismissing Vladimir Putin's claims he is welcoming to gays and saying the law had legitimised homophobia.

The pop star's stinging attack come days after the Russian President claimed he had gay friends and praised the 'personal achievements' of homosexual celebrities like John whom he called 'extraordinary'.

In a 500-word statement, John said: 'What I heard reinforced all the media stories that have been circling since the propaganda bill became federal law: that vicious homophobia has been legitimised by this legislation and given extremists the cover to abuse people's basic human rights.

'Everyone shared stories of verbal and physical abuse - at work, in bars and restaurants or in the street - since the legislation came into force last June.'

The law has come under fire from human rights activists as Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympics next month.

During a visit to Moscow in December, John performed a concert at which he condemned the law, and said he was keen to gain a first-hand understanding of its effect on the LGBT community.

He added that he would welcome the chance to introduce Putin to gay Russians.

[eaglescout1998]

Whenever anyone voices an opinion about a group of people, in this case gays, and then attempts to soften that position by saying he has friends that are gay, he’s probably lying. If he’s not, it’s a real shitty way to treat your so-called friends. That’s sort of like praising Sammy Davis, Jr.’s talent, but still not allowing him to stay in the white part of town after the curtain goes down.

[Caipirabob]

Of course Elton John would never promote homosexual perversions to children...

PUTIN IS RIGHT

[FAA]

You have to admire Putin for unabashedly and without excuse promoting the advancement of his country. He drives Russia like an SOB.

Homos? Fine I suppose, okay, but they are not the way “forward” for any country. They do not produce a future. Tolerate them and try to build tomorrow around them.

[onedoug]

Oh, my.

[R7 Rocket]

Putin is trolling the Cathedral.