The openly gay rocker took his campaign for equal rights to the Yalta European Strategy summit in Kiev on Saturday (12Sep15), when he called on top politicians to think hard about the kind of future they want to build for the former Soviet nation.

At the political conference, titled At Risk: How New Ukraine's Fate Affects Europe and the World, Elton highlighted a recent gay pride parade in the city, which turned violent after demonstrators came under attack from conservative members of the public in June (15).

He said, "This all happened not in some far-away place or some far-away time. This happened right in this very city a few weeks ago. So I tell you soberly, we have a long way to go.

"Critical moments exist in the lives of societies and nations. The choice of freedom over repression. Democracy over totalitarianism. Acceptance over hatred. What will be Ukraine's ethical and moral compass? Your stance on human rights will be a defining characteristic of the new Ukraine."

The Tiny Dancer singer continued by insisting the country would benefit economically if they practised acceptance, adding, "So being tolerant and inclusive is not only the morally right thing to do, for the new Ukraine, it's the smart thing to do...

"You can bring a great fortune to Ukraine by wrapping your arms around people. Laws which protect human rights are good for business. They promote diversity. They expand the talent pool. They allow employers to hire and retain the best and the brightest."

Elton's speech took place six years after he and his partner David Furnish had their bid to become parents to an orphaned Ukrainian boy named Lev Ageyev rejected because same-sex couples are forbidden to adopt in the country.