August 21, 2012 | Sex & Society

Politicians could be outed over Pride House

If Russian politicians are like those in the US, you know that several are closeted. So a plan by LGBT activists to out some of them if the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi don't include a Pride House may be making some people very nervous.

Pride House is a location where athletes from the LGBT community can meet and relax. However, Russia, which is becoming increasingly hostile towards homosexuals, has placed a ban on the a queer-centric venue.

Local courts have even upheld the ban, with one judge calling the venue "extremist" and a provocation for "social-religious hatred."

Russian gay rights activist Nikolai Alekseev said that he is willing to take the fight to the European Court of Human Rights. Politicians will be outed in the process if an agreement is not reached.

"We know very well the gay politicians and who are members of the Russian Olympics committee," he said. "They are gay but at same time not doing anything to support gay rights or helping in any way to organize."

Pride House was first introduced at the last Winter Games, held in Canada. London followed through by allowing the venue at the recently completed Summer Olympics.

For its part, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is refusing to comment on the issue.

The IOC's official line: “We aren’t responsible for the running of or setting up of Houses. That is done by the [National Olympic Committees] or other relevant organizations. ... From our side, the IOC is an open organization and athletes of all orientations will be welcome at the Games.”

Threat to out Russia's gay politicians over Olympic Pride House ban [Gay Star News]

IOC refuses to stand up for gay athletes [National Post]