2014 Olympics & Anti-Gay Sentiment In Russia

Discriminatory behavior and recent anti-gay laws are sparking controversy in Russia, who is set to host the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. Human rights activists are outraged at the horrific outpouring of violence culminating gay rights protests in Russia throughout the last several years. What begin as peaceful protests have ended, time and time again, in the blood, tears and pain of those trying to protect their rights.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has recently signed a bill condemning people for homosexual “propaganda”. The law permits fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($166) to be administered to any citizens who disseminate information “directed at forming non-traditional sexual setup” in minors or which may cause a “distorted understanding” that gay and heterosexual relations are “socially equivalent.” Naturally, the homophobic law has inspired distress for Russian citizens.

Gay rights activist being beaten by Russian Police. Image by OLGA MALTSEVA / Getty Images

“The events unfolding in Russia should rightly cause concern for all fair-minded citizens of the world. They’re a complete travesty meant to divert the attention of the Russian people from President Putin’s failure as their leader,” says Human Rights Campaign vice president for communications Fred Sainz.

The Human Rights Campaign has not yet called for a boycott of the 2014 Olympics and it is uncertain how the situation will play out. Author Harvey Fiertsein of the New York Times states, “Contrary to what the International Olympic Committee says, the law could mean that any Olympic athlete, trainer, reporter, family member or fan who is gay – or suspected of being gay, or just accused of being gay – can go to jail.”

Victim of anti-gay harrasment. Image by VASILY MAXIMOV / Getty Images

The pressure is on and the fight has just begun. President Putin, who has previously restricted the adoption of children into homosexual couples, is also rumored to be signing into a law a bill that would allow children to be taken away from their own families if their parents are homosexual or are suspected of being so.

The time for change is now. We cannot tolerate the injustice. We must break the silence.

Anti-gay rioters in Russia. Image by OLGA MALTSEVA / Getty Images

This article was originally published on the Urban Times.