PrideNET Radio Episode #11

IOC: We Are ‘Fully Satisfied’ With Russia’s Anti-Gay Law

The chairman of the International Olympics Committee said today the that IOC is “fully satisfied” Russia’s anti-gay laws do not violate the Olympic charter, allowing the Games to proceed. Jean-Claude Killy added, “As long as the Olympic Charter is respected, we are satisfied.” Killy also noted that the IOC just does not have the authority to criticize a host country’s laws if they do not violate the Olympic charter.

The 70-year old French former World Cup alpine ski racer told reporters the Committee deliberated for several days before deciding, but ultimately, accepted Russia’s claims. The International Olympics Committee is in Sochi, inspecting preparations for February’s 2014 Winter Olympics.

The Russian government repeatedly has stated that because their anti-gay laws, which prohibit any public expression of homosexuality, apply to everyone, they are not discriminatory against gay people, a ridiculous claim.

Russia’s stance is akin to the regular claims from the religious right in the U.S., that bans on same-sex marriage are not discriminatory, because everyone has the right to marry a person of the opposite sex.

Of course, the Olympic Committee has chosen to make discrimination the deciding factor, by cherry-picking that from their charter.

Yesterday, 10 LGBT activists were detained in Sochi, protesting Vladimir Putin’s ban on rallies and protests in Sochi, and his war on gays. All were reportedly given stiff fines