In recent months, many laws on gay marriage have been flooding the news. The ruling against DOMA and now in more recent news the recognition of same-sex couples under tax laws has made for exciting and enjoyable times in the United States. However, in Russia, things aren’t as joyful. Broad and ambiguous anti-gay laws throughout the country have left not only Russia natives but rulers and people around the world furious.
US President Barack Obama is one of the many who have spoken out about Russia’s laws against gay propaganda saying:
“I have no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them… One of the things I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly because that’s what we stand for, and I believe that that’s a precept that’s not unique to America. That’s just something that should apply everywhere.”
In reaction to the thousands of people that are proposing to boycott the 2014 Winter Olympics, President Obama has reacted by saying, “I do not think it’s appropriate to boycott the Olympics. We’ve got a bunch of Americans out there who are training hard who are doing everything they can to succeed…”
Obama continues by stating, “One thing I’m really looking forward to is maybe some gay and lesbian atheletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze, which I think would go a long way in rejecting the kind of attitudes we’re seeing there.”
One of the strongest things stated in President Obama’s reactions to anti-gay laws in Russia was, “If Russia doesn’t have gay or lesbian athletes, it’ll probably make their team weaker.”
Categories: 2014 Winter Olympics
