While Elton John was busy hosting his AIDS Foundation’s 7th Annual Benefit, “An Enduring Vision,” Tuesday night, the recent gay marriage bans in Florida and California were fresh on his mind.
Elton, who attended the event at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City with his civil partner of 3 years, David Furnish, believes America is hung up on wording when it comes to this divisive issue.
“David and I have a civil partnership in England. We have complete rights between the two of us, we’re protected completely,” Elton told Access Hollywood. “I think the word ‘marriage’ puts a lot of people off in this country.”
Elton believes Americans have some work to do before gay marriage becomes a right for everyone.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Gay & Lesbian Hollywood
“If they got over the word ‘marriage,’ I think it would be a lot easier for gay people to get together,” he continued.
U.S. & World
Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world.
Despite the setback for the LGBT community, Elton was overjoyed with President-elect Barack Obama’s win — in fact, Elton said he’s fallen in love with America again.
“I’m so proud to be in this country. So proud to be a part of something so incredibly moving, and touching,” Elton told the crowd during a fundraiser. “Last week’s election demonstrated to me why I fell in love with America in the first place. More importantly, it demonstrated to everybody across this planet that America is a good place now.”
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Ellen DeGeneres
PLAY IT NOW: Stars Speak Out Against Prop 8’s Passing
PLAY IT NOW: Ellen DeGeneres Says Vote NO On Prop 8
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: LGBT - Music - News - Celebrities - Charities
