Elton John wants gay rights talks with Vladimir Putin … over a cup of tea
The British star wants to convince the Russian leader that gay people 'are not the problem'
British pop star Elton John said he would like to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the country’s attitude to gay rights.
“I’d say, come on. Gay people are not the problem here,” the 68-year-old told BBC television in an interview released on Saturday.
In 2013, Putin signed off on a hugely controversial law banning the promotion or display of homosexuality in front of minors.
Russia has banned same-sex marriage, and opposes support for equal rights for homosexuals, often calling such efforts “propaganda”.
Homophobia remains widespread in the country, and almost no public figures have come out as gay.
John, who has two adopted children with his husband, the Canadian filmmaker David Furnish, said he hoped to use his influence to promote tolerance.
