PORT-OF-SPAIN, March 16 (UPI) -- Church leaders in Tobago are seeking to bar singer Elton John from performing at a festival on the island in April because the British star is openly gay. John is scheduled to headline the Plymouth Jazz Festival, along with Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige and Earth, Wind Fire, but conservative groups on the island, where homosexuality is widely condemned, are calling for him be banned from performing, the Times of London said Friday.
The Venerable Philip Isaac, archdeacon for Trinidad and Tobago, said John's lifestyle does not conform to "biblical teachings." "He needs to be ministered unto," Isaac said. "His visit to the island can open the country to be tempted towards pursuing his lifestyle.
" Festival executive Anthony Maharaj said the singer's performance and his private live should be mutually exclusive, adding that John's concert would proceed even if church groups protest outside the event, the Independent said. "Elton John is coming as what he is, one of the world greatest performers," Maharaj said. "He is not coming here to preach about what lifestyle people should have.
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