Culture

Russia: Elton John’s outfits dubbed ‘homosexual propaganda’ by Communist group

Jun 07 2013
Written by Joseph McCormick

Sir Elton John is due to perform in Russia in July, and in what could be a similar turn of events which saw Madonna being sued for “homosexual propaganda”, it has been suggested that the famed entertainer’s outfits constitute just that.

The Tiny Dancer singer is due to play in the Russian city of Krasnodar on 14 July, and it has been suggested by the leader of the local communist group that, though the way he dresses, Sir Elton is “promoting” homosexuality.

Mikhail Abramyan, leader of told RIA Novosti that Sir Elton’s outfits are “homosexual propaganda”, and that he should wear the traditional Russian dress of “knee-length kaftan, a fur hat and leather boots,” instead.

Abramyan has also threatened that the group will protest the concert, if it goes ahead as planned. Organisers of the concert have rejected the new proposed outfit.

Charges that Madonna broke a homophobic censorship ban in the Russian city of St Petersburg were dropped in November. Homophobic activists had tried to prosecute the US singer over accusations that she violated the city’s policy on the “promotion of homosexuality” among minors.

Nine plaintiffs said they were “desperate” to make the Material Girl pay for their “moral suffering” following her performance in the city during August.

It was after she spoke out against the ban on stage and handed out pink bracelets.

She also issued a message of support for the imprisoned LGBT-supporting feminist punk band Pussy Riot.

Earlier this week it was reported that the Russian State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian Parliament, could move to approve an amendment which would ban the adoption of Russian children by foreign same-sex couples, by early July.