C
Chris Maduewesi
Guest
The International Olympic Committee(IOC) have demanded for assurances from Russia,that it’s anti-gay law,will not impeded on next year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Russia has been criticized for their anti-gay stance,with top countries threatening to lead a boycott,from next year’s games over the new law.
President Vladimir Putin in June, signed a law that bans “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” and imposes fines on those holding gay pride rallies in Russia.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said on Friday that the Russian government provided written assurances about the law on Thursday but some elements still needs clarification.
“We are waiting for the clarifications before having the final judgment on these reassurances,” Rogge said.
“The Olympic charter is clear,” he said. “A sport is a human right and it should be available to all, regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation.”
“As far as the freedom of expression is concerned, of course, this is something that is important,” Rogge said. “But we cannot make a comment on the law” until the clarifications have been received,” he added.
Meanwhile Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko,said that all the Olympic bound athletes coming for the Sochi Games,must abide by the rules of the country,adding that they would not be browbeaten into submission.
Mutko told Interfax: “I wouldn’t call the pressure light. Russia must understand that the stronger we are, the more other people aren’t going to like it. We have a unique country.”
“We don’t have to be afraid of threats to boycott the Olympic Games,” Mutko said. “All sensible people understand that sports demand independence, that it is inadmissible that politics intervene.”
The Winter Olympics will commence from February 7-23 in Russia next year.
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Russia has been criticized for their anti-gay stance,with top countries threatening to lead a boycott,from next year’s games over the new law.
President Vladimir Putin in June, signed a law that bans “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” and imposes fines on those holding gay pride rallies in Russia.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said on Friday that the Russian government provided written assurances about the law on Thursday but some elements still needs clarification.
“We are waiting for the clarifications before having the final judgment on these reassurances,” Rogge said.
“The Olympic charter is clear,” he said. “A sport is a human right and it should be available to all, regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation.”
“As far as the freedom of expression is concerned, of course, this is something that is important,” Rogge said. “But we cannot make a comment on the law” until the clarifications have been received,” he added.
Meanwhile Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko,said that all the Olympic bound athletes coming for the Sochi Games,must abide by the rules of the country,adding that they would not be browbeaten into submission.
Mutko told Interfax: “I wouldn’t call the pressure light. Russia must understand that the stronger we are, the more other people aren’t going to like it. We have a unique country.”
“We don’t have to be afraid of threats to boycott the Olympic Games,” Mutko said. “All sensible people understand that sports demand independence, that it is inadmissible that politics intervene.”
The Winter Olympics will commence from February 7-23 in Russia next year.
Continue reading...
