WASHINGTON – Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin has sent a letter to the heads of the top sponsors of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressing concern over the anti-LGBT Russian law criminalizing “homosexual propaganda.” In addition to raising awareness about the law that has led to multiple human rights abuses, particularly hate-based violence against LGBT young people, the letter calls on the corporate leaders from Dow Chemical, Coca-Cola, General Electric, McDonalds, Proctor & Gamble, Panasonic, Samsung, Omega, Visa, and Atos to take the following steps:
1) Adopt a clear and unequivocal public position in opposition to anti-LGBT laws like the one adopted by the Russian government.
2) Denounce targeted violence against LGBT people in Russia and demand investigation and accountability from Russian authorities.
3) Ask the IOC to obtain concrete, written commitments from the Russian government about the safety of international Olympic athletes and attendees—and urge the IOC to reject future Olympic bids from countries with laws that outlaw support for LGBT equality.
4) Affirm unequivocal support for non-discrimination and equality, and ensure that policies and practices reflect this commitment.
5) Put marketing and creative advertising resources to use—helping to build awareness and demonstrate support for LGBT equality in Russia and globally.
6) Support the local LGBT community in Russia.
The HRC Foundation is creating an online resource that will reflect the actions taken or not taken by IOC sponsors with regard to these six areas we have outlined.
In June, a law banning “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” was passed by Russia’s Federal Assembly and signed into law by President Vladimir Putin. Under the guise of protecting children from “homosexual propaganda,” the law imposes fines or jail time to citizens who disseminate information that may cause a “distorted understanding” that LGBT and heterosexual relationships are “socially equivalent.” The fines are significantly higher if such information is distributed through the media or Internet. Foreigners, such as those visiting Russia for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, will not only be fined but also face arrest and up to 15 days in jail, followed by eventual deportation, according to the new law.
