Sir Elton John has criticised Russia for its treatment of gay people, saying he is "so anti" the discrimination faced by members of the LGBTIQ+ community in eastern Europe.
Speaking at the International Aids Conference in Amsterdam, Sir Elton, who has been a longtime advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS through his work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, said eastern European governments had a long way to go.
“We’re here to protect them and for everyone who’s HIV [positive] but especially for the LGBT community that has suffered so badly and are still suffering and it makes me crazy,” said Sir Elton, according to The Telegraph.
He continued: “If there wasn’t this discrimination we could get rid of the disease far quicker.”
“Until we get that idea out of our head that gay people are 'less than' then I am afraid we will still be sitting here in 20 years time discussing the same thing,” he said.
Sir Elton made the comments having just announced further funding through the Elton John AIDS Foundation for treatment and research in the area.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia continue to be the only regions in the world where annual rates of new HIV infections are rising rapidly.
“To be an LGBT person in Russia is very difficult,” he said.
He added: "We know what we are up against. We are not stupid."
Still, Sir Elton said he wasn't about to boycott fans of his music in Russia.
“People have asked me to boycott Russia but you can’t boycott people,” he said.
