Russian leader Vladimir Putin has officially welcomed gay athletes and visitors to the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Putin, who has been accused of discrimination against homosexuals by his critics, made the promise on an inspection visit to Sochi, the host city, with Thomas Bach, the Head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The president said: “We are doing everything – our organisers, athletes and fans – so that participants and guests feel comfortable in Sochi, regardless of nationality, race or sexual orientation.”
A new Russian law banning homosexual propaganda among minors has cast a shadow over the lead-up to the Olympics. There had been concern that the legislation could apply to gay athletes and visitors to Sochi leading to calls for the Games to be boycotted.
Russia decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 but gay people are frequently blamed for the nation’s demographic problems and face ostracism from the resurgent Orthodox Church, which has fostered increasingly close ties with the Kremlin during Putin’s 13-year rule.
Mr Bach made no public mention of the issue, offering praise for Russia’s preparations for the Olympics. He urged Russia to brace itself for tough competition during the event which will challenge not only Russia’s organisational skills but also its confidence in its sporting standing.
“When the Olympic flame will be burning at the Olympic stadium, it is up to you, because the success of Olympic Games also very much depends on the success of the home team,” Bach told Putin.
Olympic preparations have been marred by over-running costs and delays and organisers have faced criticism from rights groups over the treatment of migrant workers engaged in large-scale construction works.
