Blog # 10 Dutch say Russian gay right violaton may warrant asylum

Dutch say Russian gay rights violation may warrant asylum

The Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans wrote a letter to the Parliament stating that the violation of gay rights in Russia could be grounds for asylum in the Netherlands.

In his letter Timmermans claimed that the law negatively affects gay people and contributes to a climate of homophobia., adding that inhumane treatment or violation of the fundamental rights of the LGBT community could be grounds for asylum.

The recent detention of Greenpeace activists in Russia, including two Dutch, and the impounding of their Netherlands-registered vessel, are among the issues that have created tension between the two countries, as well as a series of incidents involving senior diplomats from each country who were beaten in their respective homes.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte assured that relations with President Putin and Russia are strong and have not been damaged.

An official state visit to mark 400 years of diplomatic ties is expected between Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and President Putin on November 9.

The Russian anti-gay law has been criticized before the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. During a recent visit to Amsterdam, Putin encountered activists holding a banner saying: “Putin, Go Home.”

Analysis

The Netherlands is a liberal country that openly supports human rights. The controversy around the Russian anti-gay law has reached high levels of attention, and has triggered official statements about granting asylum to the LGBT community.

The Sochi games are giving international visibility to a political issue that has made the anti-gay law a matter of international debate. The Olympic games are no longer a matter of international sports competition, but also a forum for the rights of those who support alternative lifestyles.

Countries like the Netherlands are going public with their views about the Russian anti-gay law and this may damage their diplomatic relations with Russia.

President Putin’s popularity is being impacted beyond Russia, and with an international event taking place soon in his own country, it is hard to predict  how much damage this will cause to his image there.  

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/05/us-netherlands-russia-gays-idUSBRE9A40LT20131105

Rosa Flores

11/14/13

10:19 PM

Blog #9 Australia reassured on gay, security issues for Sochi

Australia reassured on gay, security issues for Sochi

Ian Chesterman, Chef de Mission, reassured Australia’s Olympic team that Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised that gay athletes will be welcome at the Winter Games in Sochi.

Western countries have criticized the Russian law banning homosexual “propaganda” among minors, and gay rights groups have called for a boycott of the Games.

Even though President Putin has assured everyone that they would feel comfortable in Sochi, a possible terror attack by Chechen or other Islamist militants still threaten the safety of the Games.

Chesterman, who just returned from an inspection visit to the Black Sea resort, declared: “we are very comfortable with both situations and particularly the gay rights issue.” He also claimed that the reassurances from leading Russian officials and the President are reason enough for the athletes to feel relaxed and confident.

According to Chesterman, Australia’s winter squad will make their bases in Sochi alcohol-free zones in order to create the best environment for performance.

The Australian team is hopping to be more successful at the Sochi Winter Games. Chesterman is planning to increase the number of athletes participating at these Games in order to have the chance to win more medals.

Analysis

Ian Chesterman’s perception about the organization of the Olympic Games is positive. He seems to believe that the Games will be held in an atmosphere of friendly competition based on what he heard from Russian officials.

Chesterman’s main concern is about the Australian team’s success, not necessarily about their safety when it comes to the anti-gay laws in Russia.

Let’s remember that most Russian people doesn’t support gay rights, and that many incidents have occurred throughout the organization of the Games. Many people feel very uncomfortable about the anti-gay laws.

I am surprised that the Australian coach feels comfortable about the human rights issues as well as the safety issues. The article doesn’t say if Chesterman plans to force his athletes to follow Russia’s anti-gay laws. I wonder how Chesterman will react if one of his athletes decides to defy the laws. I also wonder if the athletes think Chesterman should have questioned the Russian officials instead of just accepting their statement about safety.

I noticed this article only dedicated a few paragraphs to the safety and human rights concerns issues. Most of the second half of the article was about the number of Australian athletes going to the Games this year compared to other years. It appears Chesterman steered the interview to focus attention away from the more controversial topics about the winter games.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-30/others/43526886_1_winter-games-sochi-torah-bright

 Rosa Flores

11/7/13

10:00 PM

Blog # 8 "Open Games" in Moscow to Test an Antigay Law

 “Open Games” in Moscow to Test an Antigay Law

Viktor Romanov, a retired investigator for the Soviet and Russian security services and chairman of the board of the Russian L.G.B.T. Sport Federation, is planning to hold a gay-friendly sports event in Moscow, days after the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Mr. Romanov is concerned because he doesn’t know how the government will take the “Open Games” in which athletes of any orientation will participate in eight different disciplines.

The highly publicized Russian federal law banning “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relationships to  minors” has caused international disapproval threatening to boycott the Sochi Games. President Putin has claimed that “in Russia there are no laws which punish sexual minorities.”  However, people worry that the law is not clear about how the term “propaganda” will be interpreted.

The Russian L.G.B.T. Sport Federation is officially registered with the Russian Ministry of Sport.  Konstantin Yablotskiy, a figure skater and president of the organization, noted that “sport is a universal instrument to solve many different problems.”

Despite the harsh repression against gays, the Russian L.G.B.T. Sport Federation, founded in 2010, has more than 800 registered members in 22 cities across Russia, including three Olympic-level athletes.

Anna Zhelnina, a professor at the Center for Civil Society and Human Rights, an affiliate of St. Petersburg State University, worries about the way authorities enforce the law. Zhelina claims   “any law can also be used as an instrument in a future political battle.”

Mr. Yablotskiy is uncertain about what is propaganda. The group already held a sports festival last year in St. Petersburg where gay colors were displayed in public and nobody complained.

The Russian L.G.B.T. Sport Federation’s members are amateur athletes who compete in international events such as Gay Games or World Out Games and their main intention is to build community and propagandize only sport.

The group’s leadership has been working clandestinely after the anti-gay law passed, and they plan to use the Olympics as a public forum.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/27/world/europe/open-games-in-moscow-to-test-an-antigay-law.html

Analysis

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his government will be tolerant and will welcome gays during the Sochi Olympic Games, however many worry that the recent anti-gay law might affect visiting athletes and tourists.

The Open Games being organized by the Russian L.G.B.T. Sport Federation, scheduled to take place three days after the Olympic event ends, will test the Russian anti-gay law and its organizers have valid reasons to be concerned about potential government reactions during the event.

Although Konstantin Yablotzkiy, president of the L.G.B.T. organization wants to focus on sports and not in politics, it is well known that most Russians are homophobic and that the confusion about the term "propaganda" may be cause for trouble.

The success of the Open Games will be at risk, as the Russian anti-gay law is holding back valuable information for people to make a balanced and reasonable opinion about gays.

Rosa Flores

10/30/13

10:06 PM

 

Blog # 7 Johnny Weir: Won't address Russian anti-gay law as Olympic analyst, talks N.J. gay marriage

 Summary

Johnny Weir, an Olympic figure skater, is joining the NBC's coverage team of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He told The New York Times that he will not make any declarations against the new controversial Russian anti-gay law despite the fact that he opposes it, the law prohibits the promotion of nontraditional sexual relationships to minors.

Weir had said to the Associated Press that he would talk about this sensitive issue, but later changed his mind when he talked to the Times.

As Weir doesn't consider himself a politician, he has chosen not to make a political statement at the Olympics, adding that when visiting a country "you have to respect the culture of the country."

Weir, who is married to a Russian man, said: "It's pretty obvious that I've been gay my whole life," and added that he doesn't have to show his gay-pride or break any laws in order to show people that he supports gay rights. He said that his sole presence in Sochi would be enough to show his support to gay people.

The former figure skater doesn't agree with a boycott to the international event because it would hurt all the athletes who have worked very hard and sacrificed so much to get there. He noted to Keith Olbermann last month: "before a gay man, before a white man, I am an Olympian."

Weir also said to Olbermann that his own hometown, New Jersey, didn't recognize gay marriage, and that this was a reason to oppose a boycott. After that interview, gay marriage was allowed in New Jersey, and Weir pointed out to the Time that "every country is going to have its issues."

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/celebrities/index.ssf/2013/10/johnny_weir_olympics_boycott.html

 Analysis

NBC has made a good decision by adding Weir to its team of experts who will cover the Olympic Games. His knowledge and experience will make the broadcasts credible and relevant and audiences will understand the event from the perspective of a previous competitor.

Weir is making an admirable decision accepting this work assignment, which will require him to travel to Russia at a time where gay rights are highly controversial. His presence will be a strong message in support of equal rights. 

Rosa Flores
10/24/13
12:26 AM

Blog # 6 European physicians condemn impact of Russian anti-gay law on HIV prevention and care.

European physicians condemn impact of Russian anti-gay law on HIV prevention and care.

14th. European AIDS Conference opens with strong political statements
By: Keith Alcorn
Published 16 October 2013

Summary

The recent Russian anti-gay law is receiving strong criticism from the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS), an organization that claims that this law represents a discriminatory policy environment against gay men, lesbians and transgender people.

The Clinical Society indicated that the law will result in harmful public health policy because "it adds to the existing barriers related to HIV prevention, diagnosis, access and retention in care."

Although President Putin has insisted that there is no discrimination against gay people in Russia, the controversial law has been condemned because it is perceived to stigmatize and marginalize alternative sexualities.

Nathan Clumeck, co-chair for the 14th European AIDS Conference indicated that scientists have a moral obligation to say what is unethical.

Tamas Bereczy, a member of the European AIDS Treatment Group, noted that people with HIV can make an impact "if they see that they can get support from physicians." He continued by saying that these laws keep people silent and that "silence is still death."

The United Kingdom's Primer Minister, David Cameron, has tried to discuss the issue with President Putin, but Russia is not willing to listen. Professor Michel Kazathchkine, United Nations Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stated that the European Union has to remain strong on its ethical stance "against homophobia, xenophobia and discrimination."

Analysis

The statements that the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) is issuing against the Russian anti-gay law are very powerful. HIV/AIDS/ has had a great impact on society as a public health problem and the lack of reliable information could be a source of discrimination. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV are crucial to secure a healthy life.

This article describes potentially serious health risks for gay people in Russia as a consequence of a law that will prevent people from seeking appropriate medical care and even more importantly, from not being able to know how to proactively prevent AIDS.

Source:

http://www.aidsmap.com/European-physicians-condemn-impact-of-Russian-anti-gay-law-on-HIV-prevention-and-care/page/2780967/


Rosa Flores
10/17/13
10:26 PM

Blog # 5. Russia welcomes Olympic flame

Russia welcomes Oympic flame
By Will Englund, Published October 6 

On Sunday, Russia welcomed the Olympic flame in the middle of a patriotic ceremony held on Red Square, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the ceremony.

The brief event lasted only 22 minutes and included a greeting song and a huge screen showing Russian natural wonders and architecture.

The presentation avoided recent controversial issues such as the protest last month by Greenpeace concerning the Arctic oil rig (where volunteers got arrested), and the new anti-gay law.

The Olympic torch arrived in Russia from Greece aboard the National airline and was set on the Red Square stage. President Putin addressed the flame in a welcoming manner claiming that it will bring luck to the Nation, and ended by saying "until we meet again in Sochi."

A hand held torch was lit from the bigger flame and handed over Shavarsh Karapetyan, a one-time champion swimmer who carried it through Savior Gate where the flame blew out. A person rekindled the flame with a cigarette lighter.

After spending two days in Moscow, The Olympic torch will be transported in a variety of different vehicles and 14,000 individual runners will tour throughout Russia, including an out of space trip aboard the international space station.

Analysis

The organizers for next year's Winter Olympics made a great effort in order to celebrate the arrival of  the Olympic flame. According to the article, President Putin appeared to be happy and proud of the event.

President Putin is taking the opportunity to share with the world Russia's progress and that is why the Olympic torch is going to travel many miles throughout the country.

Even though most of the article is about the Olympic flame, the author mentions the two controversial issues that have been overshadowing the organization of the Olympic Games, being the anti-gay law and the Arctic oil rig.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/russia-welcomes-olympic-flame/2013/10/06/ed3b4b1c-2eac-11e3-9ddd-bdd3022f66ee_story.html

Rosa Flores
10/10/13
10:00 PM

Blog # 4. U.S. Olympians address Rusia anti-gay law in advance of 2014 Sochi Games.

The Washington Post

In the mountains of Park City, Utah many U.S. winter Olympians met to talk about their medal aspirations and also were asked their opinion about the Russian law that bans "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations."

Bode Miller, a five-time Olympic medalist, said that the law is "an embarrassment." He also believes that the decision of the IOC regarding the athletes' expressing political views during the Olympic competition is "hypocritical and unfair."

Agnes Zawadzki, a two-time and defending U.S. bronze medalist in figure skating, preferred to refer to the recent U.S. Olympic Committee statement indicating disapproval of the law. She also said that she wants to focus in doing well at the Olympics, avoiding this controversial topic.

Ashley Wagner, two-time U.S. figure skating champion, said that she felt nervous discussing the issue. She doesn't agree with the Russian's law and believes that "we all should have equal rights, and  acknowledged that she can't tell the Russians how to run their country.

The law President Putin signed in June penalizes heavily those who promote homosexuality to anyone under age 18. Human rights activists have called for a boycott and athletes, coaches, relatives and supporters are confused if a "gay-pride march, a rainbow flag or a reasoned debate overheard of anyone under 18 could be a statement that violate the law."

Steve Holcomb, a U.S. bobsledder noted that he doesn't agree with a boycott, because it would only serve Russia's interests.

ANALYSIS

As the debate about the Russian anti-gay law continues, several American athletes have expressed concern about this topic. Most of them disagree with this law, claiming that it violates human rights; on the other hand, a few have been cautious in not criticizing the law and prefer to focus on preparing for the event.

I believe that it will be challenging for the athletes to focus on their preparation to compete at the Olympic Games, under all the media attention that the anti-gay law has caused. As public figures, our athletes are now facing additional pressure in taking a position on this matter, and their views could add to the controversial and political context in which these games will be organized.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/us-olympians-address-russia-anti-gay-law-in-advance-of-2014-sochi-games/2013/09/30/3a4e429c-2a25-11e3-97a3-ff2758228523_story.html

Rosa Flores
10/3/13
8:32 PM

Blog # 3. IOC: No grounds to challenge Russian anti-gay law as Sochi Olympic Games approach. Human rights

The Washington Post
By Kathy Lally, September 26.

After a final inspection tour, the chairman of the International Olympic Committee Jean Claude Killy predicts a fabulous Olympics, claiming that the Russian anti-gay law doesn't violate the Olympic Charter, which rejects discrimination and describes sport as a human right.

Gay-rights advocates were not pleased and several groups plan to take action to influence sponsor and governments, to defend the principle of non-discrimination.

A member of the New York chapter of Queer Nation, argues that the IOC's decision "sold out the lesbian and gay community to the Russian repressive regimen."

Andre Banks, executive director of All Out, an organization that advocates for equality around the world, plans to mobilize its members to let "athletes, sponsors, fans and participating governments speak out and defend the integrity of the Games."

According to Ty Cobb.director of global engagement for the Human Rights Campaign, the Russian law "clearly violates the Olympic Charter."

President Vladimir Putin's is seen as ambiguous. Some people are turning violent and homophobic against gays, and others are even afraid to say the word "homosexual."

ANALYSIS

Although the chairman of the IOC, Jean Claude Killy is assuring people that the event organization is a success and that the Olympic Charter is going to be honored, it is understandable that human rights activists are reacting against the anti-gay law.

The article doesn't state what is the position of the sponsors of the Olympic Games. In other articles many artists have declined the invitation to attend the event in solidarity with the LGBT community.

I believe that human rights activists are furious against the chairman of the IOC because a lot of money has been invested in the organization of these Games, and don't want economic interests to be put above human rights. Human rights activists argue that the law has given society permission to take matters in their own hands, discriminating and physically harming the Russian gay-community.

REFERENCE:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/

Rosa Flores
9/27/2013
10:01 PM

Blog # 2 Scott Lively, American Pastor, Takes Credit For Inspiring Russian Anti-Gay Laws

Scott Lively affirms that he helped inspired Russia's new anti-gay propaganda legislation, according to a NBC News report. The American pastor is best known by his support to criminalize homosexuality in Uganda and for his determination to "prevent the dismantling of the Chrisitian civilization around the world."
Boris Dittrich, director of LGBT advocacy for Human Rights Watch, told NBC News that Lively's trip to the Soviet Union was followed very close by local prohibitions on homosexual propaganda.
Lively, a Massachusetts-based Christian leader, was the communication director for the anti-gay advocacy group named the Oregon Citizens Alliance in the early 1990s. He claims that homosexuality is "abnormal, wron, unnatural and perverse."
In 2006 and 2007 Lively got involved with a group called "Watchmen on the Walls" and toured Eastern European countries. He has been quoted as saying to the Latvian police that "the gay movement is the most dangerous political movement on earth."
In February of this year he blogged in the conservative website World Net Daily that he was welcomed in all these countries and that the "homosexual agenda has been slowed in all of them."
Russian's officials haven't confirmed Lively's influence in its national law banning propaganda of "nontraditional sexual relations," despite the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin took a page from Lively's playbook.
Lively is determined to continue with his evangelizing regardless of being sued for his efforts in Uganda.

 ANALYSIS

The fact that Mr. Lively is taking credit for intervention in the new Russian anti-gay propaganda legislation is relevant because this law might be based on fundamentalist religious principles.
The documentary "Missionaries of Hate" shows Mr. Lively as being notorious for instilling the dominant notion that homosexuals are after your children. By reason of cause or coincidence, this is what President Putin argues in his anti-gay law. The Sochi Olympic Games are getting closer and several invited artists are declining to perform in Russia in support of gay-rights. The potential implications for this important international event can be very negative if these arguments over gays continue to attract the attention of participants. mass media and the public. 

http:/www.huffingtonpost.com

Rosa Flores
9/19/13
10:55 PM
 

Blog # 1 Russia Asks IOC to Help Stop Gay Law "Speculation"

Russia Asks IOC to Help Stop Gay Law "Speculation"

The Winter Games that will be held in Russia in 2014 have been on the spot light because of the anti-gay law the Russian government has recently issued. This controversial law, signed in July by President Vladimir Putin, has already been criticized by the U.S. President Barack Obama and denounced by international activists.
Although IOC president Jacques Rogue has indicated that "the constitution of the Russian federations allows for homosexuality", several organizers have reacted to this law that makes it illegal to expose minors to information that portrays "nontraditional" sexual relationships as normal.
Dimitry Chernyshenko, Sochi organizing chief, has assured that the law "doesn't contradict any element of the Olympic Charter". adding that President Vladimir Putin has noted that the Russian constitution "guarantees the equality of rights and freedom for everybody in the country".
Government officials and event organizers do not want any gay demonstration during the Olympic Games. Sponsors are also concerned about the potential implications caused by this law.
The IOC plans to remind athletes to refrain from any protests and Putin has signed a decree banning all demonstrations during the Sochi Winter Games.


It is difficult not to speculate about the new anti-gay law in the Russian Constitution, particularly in the context of a major international event like the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. We are living in a world where civil rights are considered to be a major component of modern society and gay rights have attracted support and attention from the international community.
President Vladimir Putin is introducing this law just a few months before his country will be hosting the Winter Olympic Games, placing Russia under the surveillance of milliions of people that disagree with what they consider to be a violation of civil rights.
Russia has argued that they are exercising their sovereignty by protecting what they consider is best for their children's rights. It seems that President Putin has paid little attention to the more liberal views of most other countries in the world.
The risk of a boycott is significant particularly as sponsors express their concerns about potential financial loses for the event. The Russian Federation will face pressure from the international community to visibly demonstrate how far they are willing to go in respecting civil rights.

Rosa Flores
9/12/13
10:45 PM

http://www.themoscowtimes.com