International Olympic Committee

This morning, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach announced 40 recommendations that "lay out the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement." Among the recommendations is the addition of "sexual orientation" to the IOC's non-discrimination statement.

The 2014 Winter Games in Sochi are just a few days away, and Principle 6 provides an opportunity to shed light on the oppressive anti-gay laws affecting millions of Russian citizens, visiting fans and athletes.

The Coalition of Russian LGBT organizations received an official response from the International Olympic Committee to their November request for clarification on the impact the ‘propaganda’ law may have on the Winter Games, particularly – on the work of the media and on behavior and statements of the participants.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee refused to meet with representatives of a coalition of Russian LGBT organizations during his Sochi visit, offering a meeting in Lausanne instead. LGBT activists in Russia see this decision as yet another indicator that the Sochi Olympics are far from being a platform to uphold and promote the Olympic values.

The US Olympic Committee revised its non-discrimination policy to include 'sexual orientation.'