Thursday, September 12, 2013

Blog 1: Anti-Gay Laws in Russia and Olympics

This past week in the New York Times, Ben Rothenberg wrote an article titled, Russian Players Stay Out Of Debate Over New Law. Marat Safin a member of the Russian Parliament, and also a former United States Open winner was one of 436 members to vote yes to the Federal Law No. 44554-6. This law was put into place to protect children from information that could possibly promote the rejection of traditional family values. This law was signed by Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, and banned any public support of gay rights. Other Russian athletes are simply avoiding the law claiming to either not have known about, or say that it is not their place to voice their opinions on the topic. Ekaterina Makarova stated that people, "should respect Russian rules." Even though she stated this, she did not endorse the law either. Many other athletes have taken this approach as well by not speaking out against this law, or even for it. Many have agreed on the assumption that this is Russian law and it should be respected when you enter the country. There are many gay athletes out there, and they should feel comfortable living their lives and doing their jobs.

When reading this article one could have different opinions when it comes to this law. On one end of the spectrum one could feel outraged and disgusted with Russia and its people's views. One might even go as far as to saying the United States should protest their involvement with the Winter Olympics. One might also feel as if the Russian President is taking an almost "Hitler" approach to the gay community. On the other end one might feel as if Russia is doing the right thing for its country and people, that this law is protecting their well being. One might also feels as if this law does protect their children's sexuality and that being gay is "a catch able disease." Either way people are always going to ignore important matters such as this. One will see many people, like the athletes discussed in the article that turn their cheeks and say it is not their business. People will turn their cheeks if they support this law or not, one might feel as if this protects their identity.


Maria Shropshire
9/12/13 2:19 pm


http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/07/russian-players-stay-out-of-debate-over-new-law/?_r=0

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