Olympic athletes should boycott the 2014 Winter Games in Russia

[edhopper]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/russian-lawmaker-suggests-gay-athletes-prosecuted-2014-winter/story?id=19829868

"In Russia it is now illegal to even speak about homosexuality around minors, much less openly display gay pride. Technically the ban is against "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" around minors, but the implication for openly gay individuals is clear. Public displays of affection by gays, including holding hands or displaying symbols like a rainbow flag, are now banned. Violators face steep fines and jail time; foreigners face similar penalties plus deportation. "

I don't think countries should boycott it, because that becomes more political and gets complicated.
But I think individual athletes should refuse to go while this law is on the books.
I also think that if they do, NBC should make that a central part of the coverage and not whitwash the whole thing.

And yes, I don't think any of this is realistic.

[liberal N proud]

1. Boycotts only punish the athletes

Most athletes only get one shot at the Olympics, missing that shot because of a boycott only punishes them, not Russia.

We tried that once, 1984 Moscow, it changed nothing.

[edhopper]

3. So what would you suggest be done

rewarding a country that does this?

[liberal N proud]

5. I have to correct my self, it was 1980 we boycotted Moscow, in 84 Russia boycotted Los Angeles

Besides the price the athletes pay, corporations lose as well and will probably fight any effort to boycott future games. The money they make on sponsorship/advertising will play a big role in any decisions.

[edhopper]

6. Perhaps corporations should rethink

sponsoring the Olympics in a country that does this.
Maybe we should boycott the corporations that are giving Russia money for these games.

[liberal N proud]

7. What should be done?

You asked in an earlier message, what should be done other than boycott. How about this...

Gay and Lesbian athletes and those who support them, show up at the Russian Olympics in Rainbow attire. It would be far better than letting them have their little show without us. Hanging the whole thing in their face is better than running from it.

[edhopper]

8. Not a bad idea.

I have no idea what the most effective way to deal with this.
I think people should not attended the Olympics. Images of empty stands would send a message without preventing the athletes from competing. And as i said, the withdrawal of corporate support to the Olympics would also help.
Embarrassing Russia and having the games cost them dearly would be positive steps.

[FreeState]

10. Until they get arrested and thrown in jail - its not safe for gays there

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/31/gay-athletes-tourists-arrest-during-russias-2014-sochi-olympic-games-lawmaker-vitaly-milonov_n_3680790.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

Gay athletes and supporters at Russia’s 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games could face arrest under the country’s newly approved anti-gay legislation.

That's according to politician Vitaly Milonov, who says the law cannot be selectively enforced nor suspended, despite claims from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the Russian government has given assurances as to the safety of athletes and supporters, regardless of their sexual orientation.

In an interview with Interfax news agency, Milonov said: “I haven’t heard any comments from the government of the Russian Federation, but I know that it is acting in accordance with Russian law.

“And if a law has been approved by the federal legislature and signed by the president, then the government has no right to suspend it. It doesn’t have the authority.”

[liberal N proud]

11. Funny thing about that

Last week I was told that Russia was our friend when it comes to Snowden on this very site.

I tend to agree with you on Russia being dangerous, last fall I was scheduled to travel to Russia until our corporate safety committee determined, it would not be safe enough.

[allin99]

14. they can wear lapels during metal ceremonies, etc. little ways around it so that...

they don't get throw in jail while they still have events to do. Russia is not going to put a bunch of metal winners in prison.

[allin99]

12. i'm hoping they do. Like Carlos Smith did in '68...

(not a flag obviously)

I am hoping quite a few athletes have rainbows attached somewhere, like swimmers with lapel sized ones sewn to their suits. that's what i'm hoping and i think it will happen.

let russia discuss THAT. it'll be talked about all over the world.

[treestar]

2. I agree

They can set up another Olympics in 2016, say. The Russians should never be the venue again. Or, not until they start to act like civilized nation.

[edhopper]

4. Atrios

made a great comment.

If instead of Gays, this law applied to Christians, the Olympics would be cancelled by the IOC.

But criminalizing a segment of society is not a problem if it is a small and vilified one.

[roamer65]

9. The American flag should not fly at Sochi.

However, if the athletes want to go compete, they should be allowed to do so under the Olympic flag. That would have been a much better scenario in 1980 and would be now.

[allin99]

15. they should fly this one instead.

lol. . how freakin awesome would *that* be.

[Raine]

13. That would be stupid IMO. nt