The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reportedly dismissed concerns over Russia’s anti-gay law overshadowing preparations for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, saying that the law does not breach the Olympic charter.
The Russian law, which bans propaganda of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ among minors, has come under much international criticism, with gay athletes fearing that the law may be used against them.
The Kremlin, however said that the law is aimed at protecting children and does not infringe on the rights of homosexuals, the BBC reports.
Stating that the IOC does not have the right to discuss the host country’s laws, chairman of the IOC’s Co-ordination Commission Jean-Claude Killy said that the body has received written assurances from Russian officials there would be no discrimination, adding that Sochi is on schedule for a ‘fabulous’ Games in February.
According to Killy, as long as the Olympic Charter, which states that all segregation is completely prohibited on the Olympic territory, is respected, they are satisfied that there will be no danger to any one from any quarter.
However, the IOC’s stand came under criticism rights groups, with Chad Griffin of advocacy group Human Rights Campaign saying that if the law does not violate the IOC’s charter, then the charter is completely meaningless, adding that the IOC has completely neglected its responsibility to Olympic athletes, fans and sponsors.
The projected cost of 51 billion dollars makes Sochi the most expensive Olympics yet, the report added. (ANI)