(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Doug Magditch – HisBigD.com
Actor and activist George Takei is beating the drum of protest. He wants to see the 2014 Winter Olympics moved from Sochi, Russia.
Takei wrote, in part:
Many believe that such a call to move the Olympics out of Russia goes too far. Would this be their opinion if the law instead called for the arrest of any Jews, Roman Catholics or Muslims should they display any sign of their religion, such as a wearing a yamaka or praying while facing Mecca? Discrimination in any form is a blight upon the Winter Games, and it must not be tolerated.
NBC and the corporate sponsors of the Olympics should be paying close attention, too, and should get behind the “Move the Olympics” movement now, while there is still time to do so. If the Winter Olympics proceed in Sochi, Russia, all of the goodwill they have spent millions to build will evaporate in noisy protests, boycotts, and terrible publicity. I personally will be beating this particular drum loudly, as will many other LGBT actors, activists and allies. Trust me, if you are a corporate brand, you do not want to be associated with the Sochi Olympics.
Nations are not judged merely on their might, but also by how they treat their most vulnerable. Russia’s cynical and deplorable actions against the LGBT community have given license to hate groups within its borders to act with violence and impunity against a group, based solely on whom they were born to love. It now seeks to spread that hate abroad through its tainted Olympics. If Russia hopes to stand with the International Community, it must accept and adopt international principles of equality and non-discrimination. There is a petition gathering strength demanding the Olympics be relocated to Vancouver, which played host in 2010. All of the facilities are still in good condition, so this would likely be the easiest of possible alternatives. If you agree, and I hope you do, please take a few moments to sign the petition here. With enough support, maybe the IOC and the sponsors will realize that this is a disaster in the making, and the best course is to move immediately and decisively to relocate the Winter Games of 2014.
Two weeks ago, columnist Dan Savage brought national attention to a boycott of Russian vodka. Many bars across the country, including some in Dallas, have since removed Russian brands from their shelves.
Problem is, you can’t simply dump the Winter Olympics in the street. It takes billions of dollars and years of planning for a city to prepare to host the games. Cities re-build roads and erect permanent stadiums. The Olympics are not played in pop-up tents. That is why a petition is asking for the games to be moved to Vancouver, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The city might have the infrastructure already in place to make it a possibility in such a short time.
Monday, 83 members of Congress called on federal action to ensure the safety of gay athletes and tourists. Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the new anti-gay laws will be enforced during the Sochi games. This is despite the International Olympic Committee’s assurances that LGBT athletes, trainers, and tourists will be safe in Sochi during the Winter Olympics.
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