June 13, 2013 | Sex & Society

IOC versus Russia over gay athletes

Russia's State Duma unanimously passed the ‘non-traditional relationships propaganda’ law this week, making it illegal for individuals to promote homosexuality. The law will also allow authorities to arrest foreigners and deport them should they violate the law.

The legislation must now be approved by the Senate and President Putin, which will likely happen within the coming month.

This has the International Olympics Committee (IOC) nervous about how gay athletes will be treated at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.

A spokesman said the IOC was concerned about the bill. He added: "The IOC would like to reiterate our long commitment to non-discrimination against those taking part in the Olympic Games. ... The IOC is an open organization and athletes of all orientations will be welcome at the Games."

Closets will be provided to any queer athlete who requests one (and even those who don't).

Russian Winter Olympics embraces gay athletes in face of gay gag law [Gay Star News]