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Elton John Sends Sharp Message to Australian PM, Howard

Pop star, Elton John, on tour in Australia, has sent a powerful message to Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, over the latter?s seemingly outdated stance on gay unions. Elton John, an outspoken campaigner for gay rights, married his longtime partner, David Furnish in 2005 and regularly calls for governments and religions to accept same-sex relationships.

The issue of homosexual marriages has been at the forefront of local Australian law in recent months. The Australian Capital Territory legally recognized gay marriages early this year, becoming the first region of the country to do so. John Howard?s conservative government, however, invalidated the law after severe opposition and clearly stated that a civil union could only be considered valid if it took place between a woman and a man.

While on tour, Elton John was asked by a newspaper reporter what message he had to pass on to Prime Minister Howard over his opposition of the local ACT law. In his typical care-not way, Elton John retorted, ?Up Yours!?. The singer recently stated in the media that organized religion should be banned due to its teachings that cause hatred towards gay people. He also said that he would never stop fighting for gay rights, even if it meant being locked up for his actions.