Elton John wants to meet Vladimir Putin to change his stance on homosexuality

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Pop star has accused the Russian president of saying 'stupid things'
Included time Putin warned gay people at Sochi to 'leave children in peace'
Russia passed law banning gay 'propaganda' among children in June 2013
Elton said Mr Putin's attitude to gay people was 'isolating and prejudiced'

Published: 18:47 EST, 13 September 2015 | Updated: 21:55 EST, 13 September 2015

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Sir Elton John has said he wants to meet Vladimir Putin to discuss Russia's 'ridiculous' stance on gay rights.

The pop star accused the Russian president of saying 'stupid things', such as when he warned gay people travelling to the Winter Olympics to 'leave the children in peace'.

Russia passed a law banning homosexual 'propaganda' among children in June 2013, sparking an international outcry.

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Sir Elton John has said he wants to meet Vladimir Putin to discuss Russia's 'ridiculous' stance on gay rights

The country has also banned same-sex marriage, and opposes support for equal rights for homosexuals.

Sir Elton said Mr Putin's attitude to gay people was 'isolating and prejudiced' and 'ridiculous'.

Speaking to the BBC, he added: 'I would like to meet (Mr Putin). It's probably pie in the sky ... He may laugh behind my back when he shuts the door, and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can think I have the conscience to say I tried.'

Sir Elton made the remarks after speaking at a conference in neighbouring Ukraine, where he lobbied president Petro Poroshenko over gay rights.

The musician has been outspoken on the issue of gay rights. Earlier this year, he temporarily boycotted Dolce and Gabbana after the fashion designers called children conceived by IVF 'synthetic'.

He has two sons, Zachary, four, and Elijah, two, with his husband, David Furnish.