Elton John has lashed out at those who continue to stigmatise AIDS as "fascists and idiots", and called on governments to keep funding the fight against the disease.
John, in Sydney to mark World AIDS Day, said the battle was being won but warned it would be a mistake for governments to let their guard down, with UN figures showing some 34 million people living with HIV/AIDS in 2010.
"We've got this disease really by the scruff of the neck," he told a crowd at Circular Quay late Thursday, Australian Associated Pressreported.
"But we cannot loosen that grip we have on it. If governments start backing out and stop funding, then the epidemic will start to balloon again."
John, who is married to his male partner David Furnish, said the world needed to "fight a new war, to get the funding necessary to actually kill the disease once and for all".
But this would not happen unless stigmatism around HIV-AIDS was dealt with.
"If we can de-stigmatise this disease once and for all, we are really going to beat this disease," he said.
"This is not a faggots' disease anymore. This is a worldwide disease that affects everybody.
"Let's get rid of this disgusting stigma and get these people who are such fascists, such idiots, to understand that people have a right to live with dignity."
The singer is passionate about fighting AIDS and in 1992 set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which supports HIV prevention programmes and efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
It has raised more than $200 million since its inception.
John is in Australia as pressure increases on the ruling Labor party to reverse a national ban on same-sex marriages and he encouraged the government to change the law.
"People have a right to live a right to live with dignity. We're all treated equal and it is about time Australians got the same sex-marriage together as well," he said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard personally opposes same-sex marriage, but her centre-left Labor party is being urged to reverse the ban when it debates policy changes at its party conference this weekend.
Elton John, in Sydney to mark World Aids Day
British musician Elton John poses in front of the Sydney Opera House as its sails turn red at a World Aids Day reception in Sydney December 1, 2011. - Reuters Photo
SYDNEY: British pop superstar Elton John has lashed out at those who continue to stigmatise Aids as “fascists and idiots”, and called on governments to keep funding the fight against the disease.
John, in Sydney to mark World Aids Day, said the battle was being won but warned it would be a mistake for governments to let their guard down, with UN figures showing some 34 million people living with HIV/Aids in 2010.
“We’ve got this disease really by the scruff of the neck,” he told a crowd at Circular Quay late Thursday, Australian Associated Press reported.
“But we cannot loosen that grip we have on it. If governments start backing out and stop funding, then the epidemic will start to balloon again.”John, who is married to his male partner David Furnish, said the world needed to “fight a new war, to get the funding necessary to actually kill the disease once and for all”.
But this would not happen unless stigmatism around HIV-Aids was dealt with. “If we can de-stigmatise this disease once and for all, we are really going to beat this disease,” he said.
“This is not a faggots’ disease anymore. This is a worldwide disease that affects everybody.
“Let’s get rid of this disgusting stigma and get these people who are such fascists, such idiots, to understand that people have a right to live with dignity.”The singer is passionate about fighting AIDS and in 1992 set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which supports HIV prevention programmes and efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination. It has raised more than $200 million since its inception.
John is in Australia as pressure increases on the ruling Labor party to reverse a national ban on same-sex marriages and he encouraged the government to change the law. “People have a right to live a right to live with dignity. We’re all treated equal and it is about time Australians got the same sex-marriage together as well,” he said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard personally opposes same-sex marriage, but her centre-left Labor party is being urged to reverse the ban when it debates policy changes at its party conference this weekend.
He's such a trooper, but we're also very concerned.
Fans in Australia were treated to a phenomenal show by Sir Elton John last night, despite the fact that he was advised by his doctors not to take the stage.
Prior to the gig, Elton was feeling under the weather and doctors were called in to examine him. He was suffering from persistent cough and he was diagnosed as having bronchitis. But when his physicianstold him not to perform, he refused to cancel the show as he didn't want to disappoint his loyal followers.
We appreciate his own loyalty to his fans, but we really wish he would take care of himself. It sounds like he needs rest and some serious downtime if he is going to kick this thing. His next show isn't until Saturday, so here is hoping he takes the next two days to recoup and feel better.
Do feel better, Elton!
Le 02 décembre 2011 à 10h06
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Sida: Elton John dénonce les "fascistes" qui stigmatisent les malades
Le compositeur et chanteur britannique Elton John a dénoncé en Australie "les fascistes et les imbéciles" qui stigmatisent encore les malades du sida et appelé les gouvernements à ne pas baisser la garde au moment où l'épidémie est en passe d'être maîtrisée.
"Débarrassons-nous de ce stigmate répugnant et faisons comprendre à ces fascistes et ces imbéciles que les gens ont le droit de vivre dans la dignité", a-t-il déclaré jeudi soir à Sydney à l'occasion de la journée mondiale contre le sida.
"Ce n'est plus une maladie de pédés, c'est une maladie mondiale qui touche tout le monde", a-t-il dit, cité par l'agence de presse Australian Associated Press.
Le chanteur a par ailleurs mis en garde contre un désengagement des pouvoirs publics alors que 34 millions de personnes vivent avec le VIH dans le monde (2010) selon l'Onusida, un chiffre record principalement dû à un meilleur accès au traitement qui a contribué à réduire le nombre de décès et nourrit l'espoir d'une possible fin de la pandémie.
"On ne peut pas lâcher prise. Si les gouvernements commencent à reculer et à suspendre leurs financements, l'épidémie reprendra", a-t-il prévenu, plaidant pour "un nouveau combat" destiné à terrasser la maladie.
Elton John, marié en 2005 avec son compagnon David Furnish et père d'un petit Zachary depuis un an, a créé en 1992 une fondation qui porte son nom et qui a levé 200 millions de dollars (148 millions d'euros) en faveur de programmes de prévention.
La pop star a vendu plus de 250 millions d'albums en quarante ans de carrière.
People who stigmatize AIDS are 'fascists, idiots,' Elton John fumes
02-Dec-11, 10:51 AM | Agence France-Presse
British singer songwriter Sir Elton John gestures "peace" while addressing the World AIDS Day event in Sydney on December 1, 2011. This year's campaign is focused on creating an AIDS-free generation by 2015, with emphasis on the need to reduce cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV from about 390,000 a year to zero by 2015. (AFP PHOTO / Torsten BLACKWOOD)
SYDNEY - British pop superstar Elton John has lashed out at those who continue to stigmatize AIDS as "fascists and idiots" and called on governments to keep funding the fight against the disease.
John, in Sydney to mark World AIDS Day, said the battle was being won but warned it would be a mistake for governments to let their guard down, with UN figures showing some 34 million people living with HIV/AIDS in 2010.
"We've got this disease really by the scruff of the neck," he told a crowd at Circular Quay late Thursday, Australian Associated Press reported.
"But we cannot loosen that grip we have on it. If governments start backing out and stop funding, then the epidemic will start to balloon again."
John, who is married to his male partner David Furnish, said the world needed to "fight a new war, to get the funding necessary to actually kill the disease once and for all".
But this would not happen unless stigmatism around HIV-AIDS was dealt with.
"If we can de-stigmatize this disease once and for all, we are really going to beat this disease," he said.
"This is not a faggots' disease anymore. This is a worldwide disease that affects everybody.
"Let's get rid of this disgusting stigma and get these people who are such fascists, such idiots, to understand that people have a right to live with dignity."
The singer is passionate about fighting AIDS and in 1992 set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which supports HIV prevention programmes and efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
It has raised more than $200 million since its inception.
John is in Australia as pressure increases on the ruling Labor party to reverse a national ban on same-sex marriages and he encouraged the government to change the law.
"People have a right to live a right to live with dignity. We're all treated equal and it is about time Australians got the same sex-marriage together as well," he said.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard personally opposes same-sex marriage, but her centre-left Labor party is being urged to reverse the ban when it debates policy changes at its party conference this weekend.
Impassioned speech: Sir Elton John at the World AIDS Day function at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney. Picture: Adam Ward Source: The Daily Telegraph
- Singer Sir Elton John declares a new war on AIDS
- We've got this disease really by the scruff of the neck"
- Slams "fascists, idiots " who stigmatise the disease
SIR Elton John has declared a new war on AIDS and the "fascists, idiots and assholes" who continue to stigmatise the disease.
The British singer finished off World AIDS Day 2011 with a bang - watching fireworks over a red Sydney Opera House and providing some spitfire of his own.
"We've got this disease really by the scruff of the neck," Sir Elton told those gathered at Circular Quay to mark the end of World AIDS Day.
"But we cannot loosen that grip we have on it. If governments start backing out and stop funding, then the epidemic will start to balloon again."
Sir Elton said the world needed to "fight a new war, to get the funding necessary to actually kill the disease once and for all".
But this would not happen unless the issue of stigmatism was dealt with, he added.
"If we can de-stigmatise this disease once and for all, we are really going to beat this disease," the gay singer said.
"This is not a faggots' f***ing disease anymore. This is a worldwide disease that affects everybody.
"Let's get rid of this disgusting stigma and get these people who are such fascists, such idiots, and such assholes to understand that people have a right to live with dignity."
Sir Elton, who was joined by federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner, cut a red ribbon overlooking the Sydney Opera House and watched as the sails of the building were lit red and fireworks sparkled overhead.
"We can't let go now, it's imperative we seize this opportunity where the end is maybe in sight, to keep going," he said.
"We need the backing and confirmation of global governments to say once and for all ... let's get rid of this disease when we have the chance to.
"And we do have the chance."
Elton John calls on Australia to embrace gay marriage
Updated December 2, 2011 14:46:27
Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has opened the national conference of the ruling Labor Party in Sydney, highlighting the party's achievements and calling for organisational reform.
Prime minister Julia Gillard has called for a genuine debate of the many contentious issues on the agenda including uranium sales to India and the legalisation of gay marriage.
Ahead of the conference singer Elton John weighed into the debate.
Speaking at a function in Sydney to mark World AIDS Day, Elton John said he wanted the Labor Party to embrace and legalise same sex marriage.
Also at the function was the Australian Transport Minister Anthony Albanese who found himself in agreement with Sir Elton.
Presenters: Sen Lam, Brendan Trembath
Speakers: Elton John, singer; Anthony Albanese, Australian Transport Minister; Meredith Burgmann, New South Wales Labor politician
BRENDAN TREMBATH: At a harbourside function to mark World AIDS Day Elton John was the special guest star.
(Photographers choreographing photo ops)
Sir Elton wore shiny red glasses and shoes to match. He didn't sing but still brought the house down. Sir Elton said AIDS should no longer be dismissed as a gay disease.
ELTON JOHN: This is a worldwide disease which affects everybody. Get over it.
(Applause)
BRENDAN TREMBATH: He called for increased funding so more of the world's people can have access to anti-retroviral drugs used to treat HIV-AIDS.
ELTON JOHN: People have a right to live a right to live with dignity. We're all treated equal and it is about time Australians got the same sex marriage together as well. Thank you.
(Applause and cheering)
BRENDAN TREMBATH: Sir Elton's timing is impeccable with Labor's national conference about to vote on the issue of same sex marriage and the Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese was at the same event and quite starstruck.
The first album he bought was Elton John's Honky Chateau released in 1972. Little did young Anthony know he'd one day get to meet the musician and have his picture taken with him, twice.
ANTHONY ALBANESE: Elton, can I be boring and my photo didn't turn out.
ELTON JOHN: Okay, come on. You're not boring at all.
ANTHONY ALBANESE: No, no...
BRENDAN TREMBATH: The Minister and the musician like the same music and they share the same view of gay marriage.
ANTHONY ALBANESE: It is important to acknowledge that by giving one group in the community rights, it doesn't undermine the existing rights of other people in the community. I think that's the message that Sir Elton John had tonight.
BRENDAN TREMBATH: Mr Albanese hopes his party will swing the same way.
ANTHONY ALBANESE: I'm hopeful that the ALP conference delegates when they assess the issues before them will say that it is time for Australia to step into the future and to support marriage equality.
BRENDAN TREMBATH: But will that erode the authority of the Prime Minister who said previously that she'll support the Marriage Act?
ANTHONY ALBANESE: Not at all. The Prime Minister has made it clear that she wants to have a real debate at this ALP national conference.
BRENDAN TREMBATH: The longtime New South Wales Labor politician Meredith Burgmann will be at the conference too.
She supports same sex marriage.
MEREDITH BURGMAN: And I'm going to oppose the idea that it be a conscience vote because I think that it is a public policy issue and we should have a bound vote.
