Elton gig raises $3 million for California gay marriage
Elton John raised $3 million for the campaign to bring gay marriage back to California last night.
The new father played a private concert in the Hollywood Hills, which benefited the American Foundation for Equal Rights.
According to the New York Times, he played 16 songs in a 90-minute performance, pausing to give his own views on marriage equality.
He said: “As a gay man, I think I have it all: I have a wonderful career, I have my health, I have a partner of 17 years, and I have a son.
“But I don’t have the respect of the church or politicians who says I’m less worthy because I’m gay.”
Last summer, John performed at the wedding of US shock jock Rush Limbaugh for a reported $1 million.
Limbaugh, who has been accused of homophobia, said afterwards that the star shared his anti-gay marriage views.
“Elton John is not married to David Furnish, and Elton John is not a supporter of gay marriage,” he said.
“Elton John is on the same page as I am, as is Obama on gay marriage. He’s for civil unions, but he’s not for marriage.”
Gay marriage was legal in California for several months in 2008 before the voter initiative Proposition 8 struck it down.
A case to regain the right is now before the state Supreme Court.
