Elton urges global gay rights - Observer

Worldwide Pride

Elton urges global gay rights

Jamie Doward, social affairs editor
Sunday July 3, 2005
The Observer

Elton John calls today for the government to do more for gay rights, in the way it has campaigned to alleviate poverty in Africa.

In an article in The Observer, he writes: 'I want our government, which has presided over many positive changes for gay people here in the UK - an equal age of consent, partnership rights, the abolition of the rightly reviled Clause 28 - to ensure that ending violations of gay people's fundamental human rights around the world becomes an explicit issue in its diplomatic relations with other countries.'

The singer, renowned for his commitment to HIV charities, argues that people power can change governments' attitudes to gay issues.

'I strongly believe that when thousands of us refuse to look away and stay silent we make a difference to what politicians do and say.'

Writing after yesterday's Gay Pride event in London, he says: 'The sheer force of our numbers will ultimately help to end the suffering from extreme poverty and extreme prejudice all over the world.

'There are many parts of the world where such a celebration could not take place, because basic human rights are not respected and people face threats, attacks, prosecution and even possible execution just because of their sexuality.'

The Gay Pride event saw some 30,000 people march down Park Lane for what is believed to have been the biggest celebration of gay culture in Britain.

A record 48 floats joined the procession, which ended on Victoria Embankment. Among those taking part were 100 officers from the Gay Police Association.

The parade was addressed by Live 8's Bob Geldof, actors Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry and Pride chief Jason Pollock.

An estimated 200,000 people watched the event, with 15,000 going on to Trafalgar Square for a rally.


Comment: Make prejudice history - Elton John