Sir Elton John has called on the Queen to use her influence to force Commonwealth countries to revoke anti-gay legislation.

The rock star is working to overturn homophobic laws around the world and is to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin to discuss gay rights and extend an "olive branch" to him.

And he has said he could petition the Queen to force Commonwealth countries to revoke laws that create prejudice toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

The Herald: Elton John woweds Watford FC fans at Vicarage Road last year. Photo: Pippa Douglas

John said: "These laws come from ... the Commonwealth. These laws can be changed very easily by the Queen saying, 'change the law.' I haven't approached her about that yet."

When pressed on whether John would approach Queen Elizabeth on the matter, the performer told CNBC: "If the worst comes to the worst, one has to, yeah. These are old laws from the British Commonwealth, I mean these can be changed. And so the Queen could do that with one wave of her hand."

The  Queen is "not part of the machinery of government in the Commonwealth", according to the official website of the British monarch, but she holds private meetings with the countries' leaders during the Commonwealth Heads of Government gathering that is held every two years.

The majority of countries of the Commonwealth of Nations still criminalise sexual acts between consenting adults of the same sex and other forms of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. 

A 2013 report commissioned by the Kaleidoscope Trust and compiled by LGBT activists throughout the Commonwealth found homosexuality is illegal in 41 out of the 53 Commonwealth countries.

The pop star has also said he wants to talk to Mr Putin about his "ridiciulous" attitude to the issue.

In September, Sir Elton said Mr Putin's attitude to gay people was "isolating and prejudiced".

He said he would like to speak to the president, although "he may laugh behind my back... and call me an absolute idiot".