Russian gay rights activists and cultural figures are criticizing the local distributor of a new movie about Elton John for cutting scenes in it depicting homosexual activity and drug use. The Moscow movie theater Pioner, noted for its adventurous programming, said it would ask for an original cut of the movie with Russian subtitles. Russian news agencies reported that the distribution company said the scenes were cut to conform with Russian law but that the Ministry of Culture said it was not involved in the decision. "In this way, the Russian distributor indirectly supports homophobia," the Russian LGBT Network said in a statement. John has previously criticized Russia's law on gay "propaganda" and comments by President Vladimir Putin that suggested gay people prey on children.

Source: ABC News June 02, 2019 13:12 UTC