Chad Griffin The Human Rights Campaign says "mere verbal assurances" from Russia that Winter Olympians and their supporters will not be impacted by the nation's anti-gay laws are not enough. The International Olympic Committee has stated athletes and visitors attending the 2014 Sochi Games will be exempt from the legislation, which allows authorities to jail, fine and deport anyone doing anything regarded as gay 'propaganda'. "The International Olympic Committee is clear that sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation," it says in a statement. "The Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and of course athletes. We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardise this principle." However the Human Rights Campaign is not convinced. "Mere verbal assurances from the Russian government that foreigners will be exempt from their repressive laws are not enough," says President Chad Griffin. "The IOC must obtain ironclad written assurance from President Putin. But more importantly, they should be advocating for the safety of all LGBT people in Russia, not simply those visiting for the Olympics. Rescinding this heinous law must be our collective goal." Gay New Zealand speed skater Blake Skjellerup is among the athletes who will compete in Sochi. He has vowed to wear a pride pin during his stay.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 28th July 2013 - 7:49pm