Elton John, the British singer-songwriter and founder of the Elton John Aids Foundation, has spoken out against US state laws that ban child sex changes.
In an interview with the UKs Radio Times magazine, John criticized Republican legislators who have enacted bans on gender transitions for teens across 20 states in 2023, including Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas. He specifically called out the laws enacted in Florida, branding them disgraceful and comparing them to an act of violence.
Florida has passed a number of laws this year, including SB 254, which bans hormones, puberty blockers, and sex-change procedures for those under 18, and HB 1069, which prohibits the instruction of gender identity and sexual orientation being taught in schools through 8th grade.
Governor DeSantis signed both bills into law as part of his push to safeguard children and prevent them from getting access to irreversible medical procedures.
However, US District Judge Robert Hinke has issued a preliminary injunction against SB 254, allowing children to continue to get access to hormones, puberty blockers, and sex-change surgeries while the legal challenges between parents, healthcare providers, and the state continue.
John, who has been a vocal LGBT+ activist for decades, compared the laws to a virus that the LGBTQ+ movement is suffering. He also criticized what he called a growing swell of anger and homophobia thats around America, saying, Its all going pear-shaped in America.
David Furnish, Johns husband and an American filmmaker, also spoke out against those critical of gender ideology in a recent interview. He specifically referenced Harry Potter author JK Rowling, saying, I dont agree or approve of her views on transgender issues.
Furnish blamed lawmakers for trying to score points with their voting base and said, Its just disappointing, after all the progress that's been made, we still have these dissenting voices in parts of our country.
John and Furnishs comments come amid a heated debate over transgender rights in the US, with many states enacting laws that restrict access to medical procedures and limit the rights of transgender individuals.
As a prominent LGBT+ activist, Johns voice adds to the growing chorus of those calling for greater acceptance and protection of transgender individuals.
Login