Russian authorities declare Elton John AIDS Foundation as “undesirable” for supporting LGBTQ+ rights

Russian authorities have effectively banned the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), which focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, from the country, declaring the Foundation as “undesirable” for supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Founded by Elton John in 1992, the organisation funds HIV treatment programmes globally, including Russia, and advocates for LGBTQ+ people.

In its statement, Russia’s prosecutor general’s office designated the EJAF as an “undesirable organisation”, a label that effectively bans the group from operating in Russia and exposes its staff and partners to potential criminal prosecution.

The prosecutor general’s office accused the foundation of promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships, western family models, and gender reassignment”.

“When a musician plays along with those trying to sow the seeds of democracy, it is propaganda. And when it’s Elton John calling the tune, then it’s more than just anti-Russian propaganda too,” the statement read.

“In our country, the British foundation works closely with non-profit organisations designated as foreign agents,” the Russian law enforcement agency added.

Elton has long campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia. In 2014, after a series of sold-out concerts in the country, he published an open letter condemning Russia’s “gay propaganda” law and offered to introduce Vladimir Putin to members of the LGBTQ+ community.