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The rock star has called for a boycott of designers Dolce and Gabbana.

It follows their attack on same-sex families.

But senator Roberto Formigoni said: “I’m with Dolce and Gabbana and I applaud their courageous statement – this is freedom of expression.

“The campaign launched against the two stylists by Elton John is shameful and intolerable.

“Elton John is a Taliban, he is using against Dolce and Gabbana the same methods used by the Taliban against Charlie Hebdo.”

His politician pal Carlo Giovanardi joined the criticism of the singer, 67, who is raising sons Zachary, four, and Elijah, two, with husband David Furnish, 52.

He said: “The gay Taliban are trying to boycott Dolce and Gabbana just because they dared to say that every child has a right to a mother and a father.

“Elton John is an intolerant person who wants to block anyone who thinks differently to him,” said Elvira Savino, an MP.

Stefano Gabbana, 52, admitted the row could hit sales of their costly clothes.

He said the couple “could lose some Elton John fans”.