Elton John made a stance against Russia’s anti-gay laws at in concert in Moscow on Friday. The singer said he thought the country’s legislation was inhumane and isolating, before dedicating the show to Vladislav Tornovoi, a 23 year old gay Russian man who was beaten to death in May.
You took me to your hearts all these years ago and you’ve always welcomed me with warmth and open arms every time I visited [Russia]. 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. Some 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 happy 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.”
Western perfomers who have spoken up about gay rights in Russia have received a variety of legal responses, a ten million dollar law suit against Madonna was thrown out of court, but Lady Gaga’s promoters were forced to pay a minor fine of a few hundred dollars.
Watch the video below.
