Russian president Vladimir Putin isn’t homophobic because he loves Elton John “despite his orientation.” The controversial leader, who ensured the passing of the anti-gay propaganda law in his country, denied that he is prejudiced against homosexuals.

In an interview with the titular host of “The Andrew Marr Show” on BBC, Mr Putin assured the public that gays are safe to enter Russia during the Sochi Winter Olympics in February, saying that the country and even himself do not discriminate against homosexual people.

He also said that contrary to worldwide belief, gay people wouldn’t feel inferior in Russia.

“Read our law carefully – it’s called ‘a ban on the propaganda of paedophilia and homosexuality,’” he cleared, adding, “But this is nothing to do with persecuting individuals for their sexual orientation.”

The president continued, “It seems to me that the law we adopted doesn’t harm anybody. What’s more, homosexual people can’t feel inferior here because there is no professional career or social discrimination against them.”

He even cited Elton John, claiming that the Russian people love the British singer/songwriter even though he is gay.

“For example, Elton John is an extraordinary person, a distinguished musician, and millions of our people sincerely love him, regardless of his sexual orientation.”

And as further proof that he doesn’t think homosexual people are inferior, Mr Putin added, “If you want my personal attitude, I would tell you that I don’t care about a person’s sexual orientation.

“I myself know some people who are gay – we are on friendly terms. I am not prejudiced in any way.”

The interview came after he was quoted by Russian media as saying that gay people “can feel relaxed and calm [in Russia], but leave children in peace please.”

Elton, meanwhile, appears to return Russia’s love for him.

In December 2013, the “Rocket Man” decided against cancelling his concert in Russia because he did not want to isolate the Eurasian nation’s people who did not have anything to do with the anti-gay propaganda law.

“I decided in the end to be guided by what Russian people wanted me to do,” he wrote on The Guardian.

“The message, from even the most marginalised Russian groups we work with at the Elton John AIDS Foundation, was ‘please come.’ If you don’t come, AIDS workers and LGBT activists told us, we will feel isolated. We will miss having your voice in our debate. It might be interpreted that you don’t care. Or we may be blamed for keeping you away.’”

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