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A committee of outraged parents in Russia are protesting against an upcoming Elton John concert, due to the country's strict laws on homosexuality.
The group from the central Ural region have written an open letter to President Vladamir Putin, claiming that the openly-gay Sir Elton will violate Russia's ban on 'homosexual propaganda', reports The Guardian.
"The singer intends to come out in support of local sodomites and break the current Russian law, directed at protecting children," reads the letter printed in local media - referring to the country's conservative stance on homosexuality. The law has naturally led to much criticism of the country, with many calling for a boycott on Russia hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Speaking to The Guardian earlier this month, Sir Elton opened up about playing live in the country and his experiences in Russia, commenting: "As a gay man, I can't leave those people on their own without going over there and supporting them. I don't know what's going to happen, but I've got to go."
Below: Watch Elton John's new video for 'Home Again'
Another artist to make headlines for similar reasons was Lady Gaga, who revealed her support for LGBT people in Russia last month, after it was recently revealed that she had been accused of spreading 'gay propaganda' in the country during her 2012 visit.
The 'Marry The Night' singer was criticised by Russian politicians of promoting homosexuality during her 2012 Born This Way ball tour, as well as travelling to the country without the appropriate paperwork. The country has also come under scrutiny in the press recently concerning its treatment of gay and lesbian people, where homophobia is still a widespread issue among the population.
Lady Gaga took to Facebook and Twitter to address the Russian situation, and the accusations levelled at her.
"Sending bravery to LGBTs in Russia," she wrote on Facebook. "The rise in government abuse is archaic. Hosing teenagers with pepper spray? Beatings? Mother Russia? The Russian government is criminal. Oppression will be met with revolution. Russian LGBTs you are not alone. We will fight for your freedom.
"Why didn't you arrest me when you had the chance, Russia? Because you didn't want answer to the world?"
She also took to Twitter to repeat her message.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
