Head of Russia’s Olympic Committee confirms anti-LGBT law at Sochi
“The Russian Olympic Committee, Russian government and Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee guarantee there will be no discrimination of sportsmen, officials, supporters and journalists on race, religion, gender, political views, etc. what corresponds with the policy of the Olympic movement. … I would like to underline that the law which has been passed is applied only against propaganda of homosexual relations among minors. If a person doesn’t try to impose his or her views in presence of children, sanctions can’t be taken against this person. Gay people can take part freely in the competitions and other Olympic events and don’t worry for their safety.”
Alexander Zhukov, head of Russia’s National Olympic Committee, today confirming that while he sees no reason for LGBT people at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, to be fearful, the nation’s ambiguous ban on “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” will be enforced at the games. Foreigners who break the law – which could be interpreted to mean donning a rainbow pin, for example, or same-sex couples holding hands – are subject to fines, 15 days of detention and deportation. (Voice of Russia)
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