Tobago church leaders demand Elton John ban

Yahoo! Music, Mar 27, 2007 4:00 pm PDT
Church leaders in Tobago have demanded Sir Elton John be banned from playing in their country because he is gay.

The pop legend, who celebrated his 60th birthday at the weekend, is scheduled to appear at the Plymouth Jazz Festival on the Caribbean island in April.

However, Christian pastors are reported to be troubled by his presence, which they claim may have "a negative social impact" on their people.

There are fears that some locals "may not be sure of their sexuality," according to pastor Terrance Baynes.

"One has to be careful about how this can create impressions on impressionable minds," he told the BBC, in reference to Sir Elton's appearance.

However, Tobago political figures are understood to have dismissed the move, backing Anthony Maharaj, one of the organisers of the event.

Calling him "one of the world's greatest performers," Maharaj dismissed fears that Sir Elton's show on April 29 could upset the community.

"His band has performed in every country around the world. He is not coming here to preach about what lifestyle people should have," he insisted.

More Artist News

Elton John leaves hospital, back on stage Nov 14

Nov 6, 2009 9:39 am PST

British singer Elton John left hospital on Thursday after being treated for a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and influenza that forced him to cancel a string of concerts, his representative said on Thursday. Spokesman Gary F...

Elton John on mend, resuming tour dates

Nov 6, 2009 2:00 am PST

Elton John has been released from a London hospital after being treated for flu and an E. coli bacterial infection. The singer's spokesman Gary Farrow says John was at home Friday and was feeling fine. He left the hospital early Thursday....

Official: No Ukrainian adoption for Elton John

Sep 14, 2009 10:00 am PDT

Elton John won't be able to adopt a 14-month-old HIV-positive child from Ukraine because the pop star is too old and isn't married, the government said Monday. Adoption and gay rights advocates expressed regret about the determination by ...

Billy Joel ill, postpones 2nd upstate NY show

Jul 25, 2009 7:00 pm PDT

Billy Joel and Elton John have postponed a second upstate New York concert on their top-grossing tour after Joel fell ill with flu-like symptoms. The Times Union Center in Albany says in a release the pair have decided to delay Monday's s...

Elton John, Dolly Parton to perform at Tonys

Jun 5, 2009 2:00 pm PDT

The Tony Awards will include a few bona fide music stars among the usual song-and-dance numbers. Elton John, Dolly Parton and Poison will help toast Broadway's finest at Sunday's ceremony, performing with the casts of top-nominated...

1-6 of 46 videos