British pop star Elton John plans to stage a concert in Moscow in December, despite a controversial Russian law banning the promotion of "nontraditional sexual relationships" to minors.
John told "The Guardian" that he would not boycott the venue, adding that a concert would better serve the interests of Russia's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
John, 66, entered into a civil partnership with his longtime partner David Furnish in 2005 in one of Britain's first same-sex ceremonies.
He continues to be an outspoken advocate for LGBT social movements worldwide.
The new Russian law, adopted in June, is punishable with hefty fines.
U.S. pop divas Madonna and Lady Gaga, who championed gay rights during their shows in Russia last year, were subsequently threatened with legal action by conservative Russian lawmakers.
John told "The Guardian" that he would not boycott the venue, adding that a concert would better serve the interests of Russia's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
John, 66, entered into a civil partnership with his longtime partner David Furnish in 2005 in one of Britain's first same-sex ceremonies.
He continues to be an outspoken advocate for LGBT social movements worldwide.
The new Russian law, adopted in June, is punishable with hefty fines.
U.S. pop divas Madonna and Lady Gaga, who championed gay rights during their shows in Russia last year, were subsequently threatened with legal action by conservative Russian lawmakers.
