BBC News defends Sir Elton baby report

The BBC has defended its decision to air an interview with a supporter of state-sponsored execution of gay men, arguing that the contribution was to give balance to news coverage of the birth of Sir Elton John's son.

On Tuesday, the BBC's News At Six bulletin featured a report on the birth of Sir Elton's first child with his partner David Furnish on Christmas Day.

The piece also featured an interview with Stephen Green, of right-wing group Christian Voice, who has previously supported the proposed death penalty for gay men in Uganda, reports the Pink News.

In the interview, which was repeated later on the BBC News channel, Green claimed that the baby was a "designer accessory" for Sir Elton, and said that depriving the child of its natural mother was "an act of pure selfishness".

The contribution of Green caused controversy among viewers, but a BBC spokesman said that it was included to reflect the wider debate on surrogacy for gay couples.

The spokesman said: "The practice of surrogacy is a sensitive subject and remains controversial in some quarters.

"Our short news bulletin featured Elton John talking about wanting to have a child and an opposing viewpoint. All sides of the debate on surrogacy have been widely reported in the news media and our coverage has reflected this."

In August, the BBC Trust dismissed complaints against a BBC News online discussion headline on the anti-homosexuality bill being proposed in Uganda, which controversially asked, "Should homosexuals face execution?"

Elton John Is A Dad: Has Baby With David Furnish Through Surrogate

 

 Elton John Is A Dad: Has Baby With David Furnish Through Surrogate

Elton John has finally become a father. The musician and his husband David Furnish welcomed son Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John into the world on Christmas Day. The proud parents released a statement to Us Weekly magazine:

“We are overwhelmed with happiness and joy at this very special moment. “Zachary is healthy and doing really well, and we are very proud and happy parents.”

How sweet! Zachary weighed 7 lbs 15oz, was 22 inches long and was born in California. The 63 year old singer would not release any more information about the mother or the birth.

Last year, Elton John attempted to adopt a Ukrainian boy, but was denied because of his age. Looks like he found another way to become a father.

And you have to wonder if  Elton John turned down ‘American Idol’ because he knew he couldn’t commit. His surrogate was pregnant earlier this year. He must have known the scheduling would keep him away from his son.