Russia: Tatar Imam warns Elton John fans of 'divine retribution'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Tatar Imam warns Elton John fans of 'divine retribution', 3 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5261043ad.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 03, 2013
British singer Elton John
A leading Islamic cleric in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan has called on Muslims not to attend a concert by British pop star Elton John in December.
In a statement issued October 3, Imam Seidzhagfar Lutfullin of the Zakaban Mosque said "divine retribution for taking part in a hotbed of sodomy will fall both on those who attend the concert and those who perform there."
John and other Western pop stars, including Madonna and Lady Gaga, have criticized Russia for discriminating against gay people after President Vladimir Putin signed a law in June banning the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" among minors.
John is set to perform concerts in Moscow and Kazan in December.
He told Britain's "The Guardian" newspaper last month that, as a gay man, he felt he had to go and support Russia's gay community despite uncertainty about how he would be received.
Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
