Sochi 2014 and the Homosexual Propaganda Law

I'm hoping that the fans will vote with their pockets and not attend the event. (wishful thinking, I know) Hit the in their wallets.

 

Putin is unpredictable but I dont think LGBT athletes have any thing to fear, at least from the Russian government. But given his low tolerance for any form of human rights protest (see Pussy Riot), you never know. LGBT advocates should probably go into any public protest with the expectation of a high risk of arrest or at the very least, immediate deportation.

The best scenario would be some brave athletes marching in the opening ceremony flashing "I'm gay and I'm proud" shirts under their official uniforms. In which case, they would probably be removed from the competition by their own Olympic governing body. Maybe at the closing ceremonies.

I recall that the Tommy Smith and John Carlos black power salute on the medal stand at the 68 games in Mexico City was not well received in the US. I know that was a lifetime ago, but my sense is that most Americans dont like mixing politics with the Olympics.

 

I could see it happening at the closing ceremonies, and I don't think Russia would do much about it.

But, I hope that the GLBT people don't use their typical tactics of creating controversy to protest it during the games. And I hope the media keeps quiet about it until after the competitions too.

We can't boycott a second Olympics in Russia.

 

Propagandize? I can't recall hearing that this has happened or was an issue in the past. Seems like Russia is 'inviting' this to occur.

What a bunch of dicks.

 

My sincere hope is that there is at the very least boycott by like-minded nations. At the very best, I would like to see the Olympics stripped from Russia and done elsewhere.

The IOC will claim they are apolitical, that their intent is to be blah, blah, blah. The Olympics are apolitical until it requires taxpayer money to build a new stadium or athlete's village.

Russia can have it's laws, as horrible as they are, but they should recognize that those choices are not shared by many in the International community of nations and there are consequences to their choices.

 

I liked Stephen Frys views on the topic

 

Let's not forget, that an almost identical law was on British statutes in the last few years, and homophobic beatings are common here and in the US.

Before we get all high horse about how enlightened we are, lets remember we're only really a couple of strides out the cave.

 

How about I just want to watch the athletes engage in athletics and not use their fifteen minutes to proselytize anything. You're athletes. I don't want to hear about how you think god likes your team better or democracy creates better athletes or how french gays have larger genitals. Put on your uniform, play your heart out, and shut up. Their laws stink. So what. You're there to play. Not create controversy.

 

As someone who traveled in Russia for awhile...might I suggest this? Putin is courting the CHURCH because it's been lurking in the shadows, waiting to regain the status it once had a hundred years ago. Old people have been exhilliarated to see the ''freedom'' Putin's given to religious practices and they see him favorably.
The church is homophobic (not to mention misogynistic) and is dangling Putin on a string. He gets power and support from the church and it's a fine partnership...much like the one the Tsars had with the church.

Meanwhile, millions of old people who trusted and worked for THE STATE all their lives now find themselves forced to beg on the streets...selling a single flower or sweeping up....just to make a few coins. It's heartbreaking to see these people on the street....selling a tulip...over and over.....or a cheap watch.....or a simple pad of paper.

This is the nation Putin's about to exploit.

 

I love that people think these events are somehow separate from politics.

Bread and circuses...

 

A week ago Sunday on one of the morning TV news discussion programs this topic was discussed. I was distracted at the time but I clearly recall one of the panelists making a comment that US corporations doing business in Russia are being very careful in selecting who they send over to Russia for the same reasons. Since I wasn't fully paying attention I don't know if this was a statement based in fact or a supposition on the panelist's part. I can see how corporations would be very careful to not upset the Russian government, not that I agree with it but what are they to do? If the Russian government would prosecute an Olympian for this they would also do the same for any foreigner operating in their country.

 

I've copied this article from the Chicago Tribune. You have to be a digital subscriber to read it, not for a fee but it limits the number of articles that can be read each month. I figured this one was important enough to warrant reading.

Pole vault star Isinbayeva a symbol of Russian homophobia - chicagotribune.com

what bullshit...

 

Nick Symmonds blasts Russia on gay rights at Moscow track championship - CNN.com

excerpt, because it deserves to be quoted...

USA USA USA

 

The games will go on unless sponsors threaten a mass exodus because the IOC has zero concern for anything but the bottom line. In a just world, Russia would be condemned for this law and lose the right to host the games, but we don't live in anything resembling just world. Fuck the IOC, fuck the Olympics in general, and fuck Russia and the 2014 Olympics in particular. I won't be watching and I'll be avoiding any coverage or recaps.

Yes, and the negroes should have kept to their churches and schools and not gotten so uppity in the US back in the 1960s.

 

And how successful were the black panthers at gaining support and acceptance from society?

There is a time and place and correct techniques to follow when protesting at this event, but it isn't during the games. And I'm not sure I will want to watch any of the normal media coverage because I bet they will spend a lot of time talking to gay athletes about the struggles of competing in Russia while being oppressed in an attempt to create controversy...