Russia Explains Anti-Gay Law to IOC

(ATR) The IOC has received assurances from Russia that the controversial anti-gay law will not discriminate against homosexuals – nearly two weeks after Jacques Rogge demanded clarifications.

The IOC president confirmed in a short statement that "strong written reassurances" had come from the Russian government "that everyone will be welcome at the Games in Sochi regardless of their sexual orientation."

The assurances came in a letter written by Russian deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak and seen by Around the Rings.

The letter, addressed to Jean-Claude Killy, head of the IOC Coordination Commission for Sochi 2014, Kozak states that Russia "has committed itself to comply strictly with the provisions of the Olympic Charter and its fundamental principles."

According to item 6 of the Charter, ‘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.'

"The Russian Federation guarantees the fulfillment of its obligations before the IOC in its entirety," Kozak added.

Significantly, Kozak also makes a strong defense of the legislation that has caused such an global outcry and cast a shadow over the Sochi Olympics.

The law bans discussion and displays of so-called "non-traditional" relationships around minors. Symbols like rainbow flags and pins are also illegal. Under the law, athletes and spectators who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender could be jailed for 15 days and even deported during the Olympics for being "pro-gay."

Kozak uses part of the 400-word letter to explain the new legislation, noting that it "includes a restriction of information that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships among children, as well as stipulated responsibility in legislation for the failure to comply with these restrictions.

"These legislations apply equally to all persons, irrespective of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, and cannot be regarded as discrimination based on sexual orientation."

Critics of Russia’s anti-gay law will seize on the fact that the letter does nothing to clarify the penalties for visiting athletes or fans who decide to make a political gesture opposing the legislation or anyone involved in promoting pro-gay propaganda. The IOC prohibits athletes making political gestures of any kind.

Kozak added only that "these requirements do not attract any limitations for participants and spectators of the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi on their legal right of residence in the territory of the Russian Federation or participation in any events stipulated in the Games program that are contradictory to the Olympic Charter or universally recognized standards of international law on human rights."

The anti-gay law has sparked calls for a boycott of the Sochi Games, with some calling for it to be relocated. U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders including British PM David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have rejected calls for a boycott.

FIFA Puts Pressure on Russia

FIFA recently urged Russia to clarify how the law would be implemented for the World Cup. "We are waiting for this clarification, but we will for sure enter into a discussion with them and won’t accept any discrimination," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke was quoted Wednesday by Bloomberg as telling reporters in Rio de Janeiro. "It’s not just about the World Cup; it’s about every day."

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko, who also heads the 2018 World Cup organizing committee, has sought to reassure the IOC and FIFA that the law would not discriminate against homosexuality.

Valcke added that FIFA would never change the site of the 2018 World Cup, claiming discussions about the law were ongoing with Russian authorities. "There’s no way FIFA will give up on our principles," he said.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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