Via WIBA, Madison:

Elton John has blasted the religions of the world, claiming followers are encouraged to hate gays.

The veteran singer/songwriter, who 'married' his longtime partner David Furnish in a civil ceremony in December, claims organized religion only works to chastise homosexuality and convince people it's wrong.

He says, "I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays.

"I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work.

"It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."

Certainly, religion doesn't promote tolerance. I personally agree that people who don't agree with Elton's views should be imprisoned. For intolerance. That will teach them to tolerate others with different views. Just like Elton does.

(Irony, anyone?)