Elton calls for end to homophobia

Gay pop superstar Elton John wants the public to help him fight against homophobia.

The rocker makes his appeal in a magazine interview, just days after church leaders in the Caribbean called for him to be banned from performing there because of his sexuality.

He says: "Whether the bigot is in our local pub or a thousand miles away, we should all stand up and speak out for basic human rights."

The Rocket Man also lent his support to an Amnesty International campaign to protect William Hernandez, a gay activist in El Salvador who was threatened at gunpoint.

He says: "I want to shine a spotlight on him. People like William are a lot braver than me."