The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Thursday that it
was “fully satisfied” that a Russian anti-gay law does not
violate the Olympic charter's anti-discrimination clause.
Jean-Claude Killy, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission,
dismissed concerns over the law during a news conference.
The law, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in late June,
prohibits the distribution of “gay propaganda” to minors,
effectively outlawing Gay Rights parades and similar demonstrations
of support.
Passage of the law provoked worldwide outrage and calls for a
boycott of the Winter Olympics taking place early next year in Sochi.
According
to the AP, Killy said that Russian officials have given written
assurances that there would be no discrimination during the Olympics.
“The IOC doesn't really have the right to discuss the laws in
the country where the Olympic Games are organized,” Killy said.
“As long as the the Olympic Charter is respected, we are satisfied,
and that is the case.”
Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the
nation's largest LGBT rights advocate, criticized the IOC's decision.
“If this law doesn't violate the IOC's charter, then the charter
is completely meaningless,” Griffin said in a statement. “The
safety of millions of LGBT Russians and international travelers is at
risk, and by all accounts the IOC has completely neglected its
responsibility to Olympic athletes, sponsors and fans from around the
world.”