Elton John wants religion banned?

Sometimes you read an article and it is so ludicrous you wonder if it was a spoof. Here is an example.

In a recent interview in The Observer's special "gay edition" of Music Monthly Magazine, musician Sir Elton John told the UK newspaper that religion should be outlawed because it lacks compassion and promotes hatred of homosexuals. In the Sunday, November 12, 2006 issue, John said, "I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays."

Is he talking about brands of radical Islam that oppose homosexuality? No, it seems like he's directing his fire at Christianity.

The article goes on to make several points about the stupidity of John's comments. The authors main point is how John while bemoaning a lack of tolerance for the gay lifestyle choice shows zero tolerance of religion. Beyond that, to me, the bigger point is he is wrong in his contentions about religions. There may be churches that preach strongly against homosexuality, but I've never attended one. However, even if a preacher were to discuss homosexuality it should be addressing the individual's action just like when preaching about gambling or drinking. Personally, I think it is a goofy lifestyle choice, but I'm not going to hate someone for making that choice and I've never met a religious person who would.