Sochi 2014 and the Homosexual Propaganda Law

I truly worry about the safety of the athletes in Sochi in 2014. There are always extremists with stong beliefs that attend because they see it as an opportunity to be heard. The Olympics should be about the competition, not about the athletes personal lives, and ALL competitors should feel free to be who they are. In my opinion, if you are going to open your arms and welcome the Olympics into your country, you need to be open to ALL in attendance, and not want to put your limits on them. As long as they're not coming in with intent of violence, let them be.

 

I really dont worry about the safety of the athletes unless some decide to aggressively get in the face of the Russian authorities and the Russian people, who btw, support the law by something in range of 85% to 15%.

What the athletes have to decide is if they want to risk the right to participate in the games by engaging in political protests at Olympic venues, given that the IOC has said publicly that it will enforce its own rules regarding such demonstrations and could (would?) take away accreditation to participate or disqualify athletes after the fact (and taking back any medals won).

I will applaud those athletes who might make such a potentially huge sacrifice after dedicating their young lives to reaching the Olympic pinnacle. But I understand those who would chose to save the fight for another day and another venue.

What is also lost here is the desires of the LGBT community in Russia which, from what I understand, is split about how public and aggressive any political demonstrations should be. (Much like the LGBT community was divided in the US over the tactics of the more extreme groups like Queer Nation). There are many in the LGBT community in Russia who would prefer to focus on educating their fellow citizens in a less confrontational manner.

I am pleased that the issue is receiving attention but I fear that if it is taken to the extreme, it might well be counter-productive, particularly for the LGBT community in Russia, not foreigners, who will ultimately suffer any push-back from the government.

To those would wont watch the games as a result of Russia's anti-gay policies and practices and the IOC awarded the games to Russia in spite of those policies and practices, I would simply ask if you took the same action in '08 regarding China's human rights policies and the Beijing Olympics.

 

IAAF makes 'gay rights' jumper repaint rainbow nails - FRANCE 24

Doesn't look like those who cross the line will get much support. I'll bet countries will be suggesting very heavily that their competitors keep it chilled. How much support will a country provide those who go outside the law? As repulsive as Russia's views are on this issue, it is their law. Athlete's do not have diplomatic immunity. Nor should they.

 

I would express an opinion, but the estimable Mr. Stephen Fry has already said everything I would say, and said it better:

An Open Letter to David Cameron and the IOC « The New Adventures of Stephen Fry

 

Someone forget to tell them it was a "statement"

 

Stay classy Russia

Gay Reporter Kicked Off Kremlin Network After Protesting Anti-Gay Law | Washington Free Beacon

Unpossible, isn't it?