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.

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