Sir Elton challenges Putin on gay rights

Sir Elton John wants to meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss Russia's record on gay rights.

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He has trapped tigers, chased polar bears and shot whales. Now Vladimir Putin faces perhaps his most difficult challenge - the offer of a cup of tea with Sir Elton John to discuss Russia's record on gay rights.

Sir Elton's proposal to the Russian President came this weekend after he urged President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine to do more to address LGBT rights.

The singer is now focused on taking the same message to the Kremlin, which has passed laws against homosexuality and is accused of discrimination.

Speaking to the BBC, Sir Elton said: “I'd probably not [change his mind], but I'll have a go. I'd love to meet him, I'd love to sit down with him and talk to him.

“It's probably pie in the sky, but if I meet him and say 'Let's have a cup of tea and talk about this', he may laugh behind my back and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can think I have the conscience to say I tried. I'd say, 'Come on - gay people are not the problem here.

They are not the problem of the world.'“

Russia in 2013 banned the promotion of “non-traditional” sexuality, which makes providing information on homosexuality to under-18s a crime punishable by a fine.

The Independent