UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon spoke today in front of the International Olympic Committee in Sochi and used his speech to condemn attacks on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, amid growing criticism of the Russian laws. Later in the day, he took part in the Olympic torch relay with the president of the IOC. The Guardian published an article about the speech of Ban Ki-moon.
"Many professional athletes, gay and straight, are speaking out against prejudice," the newspaper quotes Ban Ki-moon. "We must all raise our voices against attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people. We must oppose the arrests, imprisonments and discriminatory restrictions they face."
The Russian deputy prime minister, Dmitry Kozak, said Russia did not discriminate against anyone based on their religion, sexuality or nationality but said the new laws were to protect children. "We are all grown up and every adult has his or her right to understand their sexual activity. Please, do not touch kids. That's the only thing. That's prohibited by law in all countries whether you are gay or straight", the Guardian quotes Kozak.
The Guardian also mentioned the recent survey by Levada-center on the Russian public opinion about the Olympics. "A poll released by the independent Levada Centre this week suggested it is not just western media who are sceptical about the Games. Asked what they saw as the main reason behind authorities' desire to hold the Games, 38% said it was "opportunity for graft" and only 23% said it was important for national pride and to serve for the development of sport. About half of respondents put the record price tag of the Sochi Games down to corruption", writes the newspaper.
