International Olympics Committee (IOC) chief Jacques Rogge (image) has asked the Russian government for clarification of certain “uncertainties” of Russia’s anti-gay laws, but seemingly downplayed their importance. The IOC says it has already received “assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation” would “not affect those attending or taking part in the Games,” but on Friday said he needed clarification.
Rogge characterized his understanding of Russia’s anti-gay laws more of “a translation issue” rather than being “a fundamental issue” in the law itself.
“We are not clear about the English translation of the Russian law and we want clarification of this translation to be able to understand what has been communicated to us,” Rogge said, acording to the BBC:
“This is about a couple of paragraphs – we don’t understand all the details because of probably a difficulty in translation.”
He added: “We are waiting for this clarification before having final judgement on these reassurances.”
Safety is one issue, freedom of speech is another.
The AP reports Rogge said:
“As far as the freedom of expression is concerned, of course, this is something that is important. But we cannot make a comment on the law” until the clarifications have been received.
Buzzfeed adds more:
Brian Ellner, a board member of Athlete Ally — a group working to end homophobia and transphobia in sports — remained concerned.
“Today’s IOC statements are troubling on many levels. First, despite continued ‘assurances’ from the Russians the IOC itself remains confused as to whether these anti-LGBT propaganda laws will be enforced against athletes and fans,†Ellner told BuzzFeed.
“Second, and equally important, while the safety of athletes and fans is important, we are also seeking a clear condemnation of the propaganda laws from the IOC. After the games are long gone the Russian LGBT community will still be living under these cruel laws and it’s time for the IOC and the world to voice loud and clear condemnation as a matter of human rights and fundamental fairness,†he added.
The You Can Play Project’s Patrick Burke said he agreed with Ellner on the bigger picture for Russia, but did say he saw the Russians moving toward accommodating the larger world at the Olympics.
“The Russians have zero interest in drawing more attention to their laws by arresting foreign nationals. Barring an athlete severely provoking the Russians into a response, every athlete will be able to compete without fear,†Burke told BuzzFeed. “Concerns about athlete safety are being dramatically overstated and concerns about the safety of the Russian LGBT community after we leave are being dramatically understated.â€
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Image via Wikimedia