Did you know that Russia’s new laws could send you to jail if you are “pro-gay”. Although nobody is really certain what that means, the growing number of hate-infused bills becoming law just as Russia is preparing to host the world in the next Winter Olympics is troublesome in the least.
CNN has an interesting opinion piece entitled Make Olympics in Russia the Gayest Ever. The editorial offers suggestions on how to support greater acceptance if not equality for the LGBT community at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. In case you think this is all an overreaction – check out some of the recent legislation passed by Putin.
Did you know there is a law that allows police to arrest “pro-gay” tourists? There is another law that labels any writing or statement calling for tolerance or equality (like this blog post) as pornography and is punishable by fine and jail time. Putin also banned adoptions of Russian children to any country where LGBT marriage is legal. Rumors now suggest the Russian government may start to remove children from same-sex couples.
What do you make of the vigilante laws in Russia that encourage violence against the LGBT community? I can’t even wrap my head around this.
BosGuy 
One word, Vancouver
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It doesn’t bode well for the male figure skaters, does it? While I don’t condone Russian behavior w this, I can easily see a 1972 Olympic scenario happening at these Winter games. The IOC is spineless and needs to move or cancel the games. I get there is a lot financially riding on it for broadcasting and sponsorship, but there is the cost of human life and dignity that is far greater.
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It’s all the Russian Orthodox church driving this. Granted, Russia isn’t completely homogenous with regard to religious choice but Orthodoxy is the common one.
We see it play out in the U.S. with the Catholic Church bleating on Marriage Equality. When the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church calls us ‘…intrinsically disordered…’ etc. They say it, and occasionally we see anti-gay hate crime committed here too.
Of course the message of the Catholic Church is fading fast in the U.S. Just look at New England – this was predominantly Catholic for a very long time, not so much these days. And the people of the region could see right through the tired arguments being put forth by the religious bigots.
Sure, we’ve got groups like Mass Resistance, NOM, et al still trying to convince people but they’re a one trick pony.
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