Elton wants gay debate with Putin

IT’S a brave man who publicly accuses tough-guy Russian president Vladimir Putin of being ridiculous.

But then, Elton John is rather cross. The 68-year-old wants to meet Putin to challenge the notoriously conservative leader’s stance on gay rights.

Elton has accused him of saying ‘stupid things’, such as warning gays travelling to the 2014 Winter Olympics to ‘leave the children in peace’.

Russia outlawed homosexual ‘propaganda’ among children in June 2013, sparking an international outcry.

The country has also banned samesex marriage, and opposes support for equal rights for homosexuals.

Elton said Putin’s attitude to gay people was ‘isolating and prejudiced’, adding: ‘I would like to meet. It’s probably pie in the sky – he may laugh behind my back and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can say I tried.’