Gay Rights Surronding The Sochi Olympics

               "Russia is instituting fines for the "propagation" of homosexuality." Multiple gay rights groups have raised concerns about how these new laws could effect fans and gay olympic athletes. The US Olympic Committee is discussing how they can confirm the safety of the athletes. "In a letter to Olympic constituents, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun wrote that because the Russian law is new "we do not know how and to what extent (it) will be enforced" during the Olympics. But he said the safety and security of American athletes is always a primary concern." The Olympic Charter is very against discrimination and they're working on a way to pass along the information to as many people as they can. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, signed a law forbidding "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" and imposing fines on those holding gay pride rallies."It was said that all athletes rights will be respected but also that all athletes must respect the laws of the country. They stated that if "an athlete of nontraditional sexual orientation isn't banned from coming to Sochi, but if he goes out into the streets and starts to propagandize, then of course he will be held accountable."
             The USOC supports equal rights for all and understand the oppressive nature of this issue, they are still trying to cope with how these laws could effect visitors to the games. The USOC is all for respecting the desires of the athletes and visitors, but at the same time they don't see how they can oblige to the strictly enforced Russian laws. As of right now their main concern is bringing a "well-prepared, competitive team to the 2014 Sochi Olympics."

WORKS CITED

• http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russias-new-anti-gay-laws-bring-mounting-scrutiny-ahead-of-sochi-olympics/ 
• http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/other/rogge-russias-anti-gay-law-has-to-be-respected-603110.html