Elton John Dedicates Moscow Concert To Slain Gay Man
British musician Elton John performed a concert in Moscow on December 6 and dedicated the event to 23-year-old Vladislav Tornovoi, who was beaten to death in Volgograd in May for being gay.
John said he considered not doing any shows in Russia after laws were passed prohibiting the dissemination of information about homosexuality to minors.
Critics says that the passage of the law was seen by homophobic groups in Russia as a green light to attack members of the gay community.
John told the concert crowd at Moscow's Krokus City Hall some of his friends tried to convince him to avoid performing in Russia but John decided he would go ahead since people were waiting to hear his songs.
John also called on the crowd to avoid discrimination.
Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax
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