While Sochi, Russia gears up to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, many civil rights activist around the world plan to boycott them.
Why are so many people outraged that the games are being held in Sochi? One of the biggest concerns amongst civil rights activist is the Russian government's stance on homosexuality. Russian law reflects a very conservative sentiment that is rampant throughout the country's culture. Gay sex was considered an actual crime in Russia up until 1991.
Even though the sexual act is not a crime anymore, modern Russian law continues to foster gay prejudice. Just last year a law passed through the country's parliament that made it illegal to expose children to messages about equal rights for homosexuals. And, currently there is a bill proposed that, if voted into law, would deny gay individuals custody of their children should they separate from a hedrosexual relationship.
Despite the outrage in the activist community, the Associated Press reported that Russian President, Vladimir Putin, assured volunteers Friday, Jan. 17 that gays visiting the Olympics should not worry about discrimination. The president also reminded volunteers about recent law that protects Russian youth:
"We aren't banning anything, we aren't rounding up anyone, we have no criminal punishment for such relations unlike many other countries," Putin said. "One can feel relaxed and at ease, but please leave the children in peace ... We have no ban on non-traditional sexual relations. We have a ban on propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia, I want to underline that, on propaganda among minors," he said.
Recently a presidential decree banned all protest in Sochi from Jan. 7 to March 21, But the ban has since been changed. Demonstrators are now allowed to rally at designated venues determined by the Interior Ministry.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
