As has been widely reported,
Putin signed a law on June 30th which allows Russia to imprison for up to 14 days tourists and foreign nationals authorities suspect of being homosexual or "pro-gay." The law had previously passed the Duma with unanimous support. Four
Dutch citizens have already been arrested under the law.
On July 3rd, a
law was signed which bans the adoption of Russian children, not only by homosexual couples, but to unmarried couples in any country in which there is marriage equality, period.
Earlier in June a
law had been passed and signed which classifies any "homosexual propaganda" as pornography. Tell a minor that homosexuality is anything but evil and wrong in any way and you can be subject to arrest and fines.
In response, many groups and organizations around the world are indicating their displeasure with Russia. "Sister cities" such as Reykjavik, Milan, Melbourne and Los Angeles are
breaking off, or considering breaking off their relationships with their Russian counterparts.
With the Olympics to be held in Sochi, Russia, it is unsurprising that
pressure is being mounted on athletes, sports organizations, and olympic committees around the world to support the LGBT community and LGBT athletes and fans by boycotting the 2014 Olympics.
The IOC has issued a
statement in which they state
Quote:
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As a sporting organization, what we can do is to continue to work to ensure that the Games can take place without discrimination against athletes, officials, spectators and the media. Wider political issues in the country are best dealt with by other international organizations more suited to this endeavor."
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So now the question:
should there be a boycott of the Olympics and if so, who should lead it? Should the choice to attend or not attend be left up to individual athletes, or should it be made by other groups such as a specific sporting agency or authority such as Hockey Canada, or even by an entire national Olympic committee.
My opinion is
yes, there should be a boycott. Homosexuality is genetic, passing laws restricting it or the discussion of it are as disgusting and morally reprehensible as any ethnic or racial laws. It is not a question of culture or religion, it is a question of morality and it is morally wrong to oppose homosexual rights.
I believe that the decision to boycott, however, should be left up to individual athletes. In my ideal world I would like to see every single Canadian Olympic athlete announce independently that they will not be attending the Sochi Olympics. I intend to write letters to athletes encouraging them to do so. I would encourage those members of CP to whom this is an important issue to do the same, but I am interested in hearing opinions on whether this is an important issue and who you feel should lead (or not lead) any Olympic boycott.
If the mods think it's appropriate a poll might be useful, choices could be:
No boycott
Athlete led
Sport-Agency led
National Olympic Committee led