Sir Elton John Declares War on AIDS Bias, Urges Govt to Legalise Gay Marriage

On the occasion of the World AIDS Day on Dec.1, British singer Sir Elton John declared an open war against all "fascists and idiots" who continue to stigmatise AIDS.

John has been associated with AIDS charities for a long time and is the founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which supports HIV prevention and awareness programmes.

For this year's event, the British singer was in Sydney to urge the government to help fund the fight against the disease. He was joined by NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner and federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese during the event.

"We've got this disease really by the scruff of the neck. But we cannot loosen that grip we have on it. If governments start backing out and stop funding, then the epidemic will start to balloon again," John said while addressing a crowd at Circular Quay.

Albanese has reportedly invited the singer to speak at the Labor Party conference, scheduled this weekend, where gay marriage will be the main agenda item, according to the Australian Associated Press.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard personally opposes the legalisation of same-sex marriage. She believes that "the Marriage Act is appropriate in its current form, which is recognising that marriage is between a man and a woman." She says marriage between a man and woman "has a special status."

However, her centre-left Labor party has been asked to reverse the ban and this issue will be the main topic of debate at this weekend's party conference.

John is expected to take the opportunity to ask Labor to back the measure.

Take a look at the Photos of Australia World AIDS Day celebration: