Elton John blasts anti-gay law during Moscow concert [View all]

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Elton John blasts anti-gay law during Moscow concert
12/6/2013 4:53pm by John Aravosis 14 Comments


Elton John sharply criticized Russia’s new anti-gay “propaganda” law onstage during his concert in Moscow this evening.

Elton’s criticism of the law is itself illegal under the law, which bans any speech or actions that might influence a child into thinking that being gay is less than evil.

Here’s the video, and below, thanks to Joe Jervis at JoeMyGod, we have the transcript.

“You took me to your hearts all these years ago and you’ve always welcomed me with warmth and open arms any time I’ve visited. You have always embraced me and you have never judged me. So I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the LGBT community here in Russia. In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating. People have demanded that because of this legislation, I must not come here to Russia. But many, many more people asked me to come and I listened to them. I love coming here.

“I want to show them and the world that I care and that I don’t believe in isolating people. Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together irrespective of their age, their race, their sexuality, or their religion. It does not discriminate. Look around you tonight. You see men, women, young and old, gay and straight. Thousands of Russian people enjoying the music. We’re all here together in harmony and harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.

“The spirit we share tonight is what builds a future of equality, love and compassion for my children and for your children. Please don’t leave it behind when you leave tonight. Each and every one of you please, keep this spirit in your life and in your heart. I wish you love and peace and health and happiness. And this show is dedicated to the memory of Vladislav Tornovoi. - Elton John, reading from the stage tonight at his concert in Moscow.

MORE:
http://americablog.com/2013/12/elton-john-blasts-anti-gay-law-moscow-concert.html