St. Petersburg city official wants Madonna's prosecution

A Russian city official in St. Petersburg has launched a campaign calling for Madonna's prosecution following her controversial gay rights stance at a concert there this week.

The pop superstar handed out pink bracelets and spoke out against legislation which will restrict homosexuality in Russia during her shows in Moscow and St. Petersburg - and city leader Vitaly Milonov has accused her of crossing a line.

He believes Madonna should be prosecuted for violating a Russian ban on public statements supporting gay rights and homosexuality, as he considers her comments onstage on Thursday night to be "illegal propaganda", according to RIA Novosti news agency reports.

He has now called on his fellow city officials to fine the singer and the concert promoters for her behaviour.

During her concert, Madonna urged fans to show their "love and appreciation for the gay community", and stated, "All people should be treated with dignity, respect and love."

Her comments angered Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who took to Twitter.com to admonish the Material Girl, writing: "What a has-been... In her old age she tries to lecture every one about morals. Especially when she is touring abroad."

Madonna also came under fire following a concert in Moscow earlier in the week when she offered her support to the members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot, who were arrested and jailed earlier this year for staging a protest concert in a city church.

The trio was in court this week facing hooliganism charges that could keep them in jail for seven years. Madonna urged Moscow officials to release the punk rockers.