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(London) Just days from his civil partnership with
longtime partner David Furnish, singer Elton John has lashed out at countries
opposing LGBT civil rights.
In an op-ed article for the Observer newspaper
John writes "Next Wednesday, on the happiest day of my life, when I celebrate a civil
partnership with David, I will be thinking, however, about those less
fortunate than we are. In many countries, having a same-sex partner is still
outlawed."
He goes on to note a number of examples where
gays "live in constant fear."
In the United Arab Emirates 26 men are under
arrest allegedly holding a 'gay wedding ceremony' and if convicted, they could
face imprisonment, flogging and possibly hormone treatment to 'cure' them of their 'disorder'.
(story)
He cites Jamaica where gay HIV/AIDS care worker
Steve Harvey was
murdered on World Aids Day. (story)
"It is precisely because homosexuality is a
criminal offence, punished with up to 10 years' hard labor in Jamaica, that
ordinary people feel it is OK to hate and exclude gay people," the John
writes. "It does not take
long for this hate to turn to violence."
The singer also writes that "In Africa it is not uncommon for leaders to build their reputations as
'strong men' by using a platform of homophobia."
He denounces Poland where Lech Kaczynski who
was elected President earlier this year, as mayor of Warsaw, banned gay pride
celebrations. (story)
"Throughout history, gay people such as myself and David have often been
made scapegoats by those who fear that we are a threat to the status
quo," John writes, urging gays to become politically involved.
"I
strongly believe we can make a difference if we show solidarity with those who
are bullied and ill-treated for their sexuality by bombarding the authorities
with letters, faxes and emails making it clear that we know about these abuses
and calling for them to end. Amnesty International has found that shining this
kind of spotlight on human rights abusers really does work."
©365Gay.com 2005
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