May 3, 2010 | Celeb Watch

Egypt says no to Sir Elton John

The Egyptian Musician Union has barred Elton John from performing a private concert in the country because he is just too controversial and gay.

"How do we allow a gay, who wants to ban religions, claimed that the prophet Eissa (Jesus) was gay, and calls for Middle Eastern countries to allow gays to have sexual freedom," head of the union, Mounir al-Wasimi, said.

John, 63, caused a fuss when he talked to 'Parade' magazine in February. He said, "Try being a gay woman in the Middle East - you are as good as dead." In the same article he suggested that Jesus was homosexual.

Al-Wasimi said that his union is the only body "authorized to allow performances by foreign singers in Egypt."

Gay men are routinely persecuted in Egypt. In 2001, police raided a gay party boat in Cairo. Twenty men were arrested and jailed for "habitual debauchery" and "obscene behavior."

Wow, Egypt, used to be so cool and progressive -- way, way, way back when.

Elton John faces Egyptian cancellation over religion, gay comments [Earth Times]