Elton John urges to speak out against homophobia · 2007-03-22 16:36
In an article in the New Statesman, Elton John has paid tribute to gay rights campaigners and urged others around the world to “stand up and speak out” against homophobia.
The British singer, who tied the knot with long-term partner David Furnish in a civil ceremony, said people must stand up for the human rights of homosexuals, Reuters reported.
“In December 2005, I was legally bound to the man I love,” he wrote in the New Statesman magazine. “It’s my legal right and my human right. And I wanted everyone to know, I wanted to shout about it.”
“In some countries, my voice would have been drowned out. Maybe even stamped out. Men and women are persecuted and attacked every day all over the world, just because of who they love and who they make love to.”
“My voice has served me pretty well over the years. I hope maybe it can do him some good too. But we need more voices.”
Sir Elton cited the example of El Salvador gay rights activist William Hernandez, who has been threatened at gunpoint and suffered a raid on his organisation’s offices.
Last November Sir Elton criticised Australian Prime Minister John Howard after his government overruled a local law allowing gay unions.
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