Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter says:
Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.
Of course, Principle 6 includes sexual orientation, and Russia's anti-gay laws are incompatible with the Olympic movement. While, the IOC and Olympic sponsors still refuse to speak out against the anti-LGBT Russian laws.
This Principle has inspired a campaign by the values of the Olympic charter. It's a way for athletes, spectators and global supporters to celebrate the Olympic principle of non-discrimination and call for the end to Russia’s homophobic laws before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Some Sochi-bound Olympians, with several Olympic athletes and professional athletes also involved or support this campaign.
By Leighton Marjoram:
ReplyDeletePrinciples sacrificed in favour of profit and giving a message to Russia and other countries that persecuting and discriminating against gay people is ok. Like we didn't know that already that they are flying in the face of the Olympic principles.
The bigger question is why no one will boycott the games properly (although I think some world leaders won't be going) ... I'm saddened and angry but not surprised. I won't be watching any of it.