IOC President Seeks Clarifications on Russia Anti-Gay Law

(ATR) Amid calls for the IOC to condemn Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law, president Jacques Rogge says the IOC is waiting for clarifications before taking a stand.

Rogge said the IOC received written reassurances from Dmitry Kozak, the deputy prime minister and Olympic supervisor, on Thursday. The law has cast a shadow over preparations for the 2014 Sochi Games, with some groups calling for a boycott. It is also being discussed on the eve of the 2013 World Championships in athletics.

"We studied it this morning," Rogge said Friday following a joint meeting between the IOC Executive Board and the IAAF Council in Moscow. "There are still uncertainties and we have decided to ask for more clarifications as of today. We are waiting for final clarification before final judgment on these reassurances."

He said the problem stems from the English translation of a couple of paragraphs in the Russian law. "We want to be sure to understand the law well."

Rogge said he could not comment on how the IOC would react if an athlete makes a protest in Sochi. The Olympic Charter prohibits political gestures by athletes.

"That is definitely something that has to be considered case by case, so I cannot give you a generic answer," Rogge said.

Once the IOC understands the law, Rogge said, "We are prepared to abide by the Olympic Charter. The Olympic Charter is very clear. It says that sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless."

He added that the Charter states that the Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination.

When the law, which bans propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, was enacted in June, Rogge said the IOC received assurances from Kozak, but asked for them in writing.

"As far as freedom of expression is concerned, this is something that is important," Rogge said, but reiterated that the IOC cannot comment on the law yet.

"I understand your impatience to get the full picture," he told reporters, "but there are too many uncertainties in the text and we want them clarified before we make the final decision."

Reported by Karen Rosen in Moscow

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