Back in June, Russia, already one of the most homophobic countries on the planet, passed a law which not only bans public displays of affection by gays, but also bans speaking about homosexuality around minors. The law is so broad that even displaying a rainbow flag can get you arrested--and if you're a foreigner, you could be deported.
The law is based largely on a law passed in St. Petersburg, Russia's second city, last year. Now, Vitaly Milonov, the legislator who wrote that local law says that as far as he knows, foreign fans--and even foreign athletes--could face punishment under this new law during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
"If a law has been approved by the federal legislature and signed by the president, then the government has no right to suspend it. It doesn't have the authority," he reportedly said, stressing that he has not heard anything different from Russian officials.
It is worth noting, however, that Milonov is only a regional lawmaker and is not a member of the federal government or the national legislature. But he has been on the forefront of Russia's war against homosexuality. Last summer he threatened to fine pop star Madonna for violating the law after she spoke out against it from the stage during a concert in St. Petersburg.
The IOC has told ABC News that it has received assurances from the Kremlin that the law won't be used against athletes at the Winter Olympics, or the Winter Paralympics which will be held a few weeks after the Winter Olympics in Sochi. However, Milonov is a member of Putin's United Russia party, which is pretty much the only party in the country. So you have to wonder if the Kremlin is sending mixed signals. The USOC is concerned enough that it is working on its own to ensure that American athletes and fans will be safe. And at least one athlete, Kiwi speed skater Blake Skjellerup, has already said he plans to wear a rainbow pin at the games. Skjellerup is openly gay.
It looks like the best way to combat this is public pressure. The Human Rights Campaign is urging NBC to mention the law in its coverage next year. NBC Sports president Mark Lazarus is on the fence, only promising to mention the law if it actually becomes an issue during the games. Um, Mark? Sounds like it's an issue now.