OVERVIEW: PRe-SOCHi
In the coming months, the international community will gather to participate in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. In the face of Russia's recent anti-gay propaganda law, many have outlined a principle in the Olympic charter that states: “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”. Human rights groups are worried that anti-LGBTQ discrimination and the prevention of the public advocacy for gay rights at Sochi will undermine this principle, and urge the International Olympic Committee - as well as international bodies - to pressure Russia into repealing or reforming the law. Potential actions include boycotting the Olympics, or lighter measures of protest such as wearing LGBTQ- themed uniforms. Others say that politics has no place in the Olympics, where international barriers should be relieved for sportsmanship.
In addition, Russian government worries that there could be a terrorist threat arising from the volatile conflict in the northern Caucasus. Twin bombing attacks in December have killed 34 people in the Russian city of Volgograd, considered a product of an Islamic Insurgency. Russian officials say that they need enforce more stringent security measures by limiting protest zones, and monitoring telecommunications. In the meantime, gay rights protesters were arrested for protesting in front the Moscow headquarters of the Sochi Olympics organizing committee. Tensions are high, and Russia's actions will not go unscrutinized by the global community.
In addition, Russian government worries that there could be a terrorist threat arising from the volatile conflict in the northern Caucasus. Twin bombing attacks in December have killed 34 people in the Russian city of Volgograd, considered a product of an Islamic Insurgency. Russian officials say that they need enforce more stringent security measures by limiting protest zones, and monitoring telecommunications. In the meantime, gay rights protesters were arrested for protesting in front the Moscow headquarters of the Sochi Olympics organizing committee. Tensions are high, and Russia's actions will not go unscrutinized by the global community.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Two gay rights activists were detained by police officers outside the Sochi Organizing Committee office in downtown Moscow. They had been holding a poster with "Homophobia is Russia's Disgrace" during a protest.
-Associated Press, November/17/2013
The U.S. State Department issues warnings for American traveling to the Olympics.
-Huffington Post, January/10/2014
Specifically for LGBT people it notes that "Russia has in place a law that bans the 'propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations' to minors. It said authorities have been vague about defining 'propaganda' and that the law applies to foreigners. A conviction on the charge could result in a fine, a jail term and deportation."
Russian president Vladimir Putin, in a meeting with Olympic volunteers, explained that their rainbow-coloured uniforms were not considered violating the Kremlin's anti-LGBT initiatives because "We do not have a ban on non-traditional sexual relationships ...We have a ban on the propaganda of homosexuality and paedophilia."
-The Guardian, January/17/2014
A gay Russian protestor was tackled, and detained for unfurling a rainbow flag during the Olympic torch relay as it passed through his hometown of Voronezh, 506 miles north of Sochi.
-ESPN, January 18/2014
Sochi mayor says there are 'no gay people' living in the city
-RT, January/27/2014
Anatoly Pakhomov, mayor of Sochi, told reporters that homosexuality "was not the custom in the Caucasus" and that no gays lived in Sochi. He went on to say that everyone, including gays, were welcome in Sochi, "as long as they do not impose their habits on others."
Olympians urge Russia to reconsider "gay propaganda" laws
-The Guardian, January/30/2014
The Principle 6 campaign, "named after the clause in the Olympic charter that supposedly guarantees non-discrimination," was launched with over 50 current and former Olympians protesting Russia's anti-LGBT policies. The campaign criticizes Games officials and sponsors for lack of action, and calls on Russian authorities to reconsider the laws that have led to "a wave of homophobic attacks."