2012 Olympics chiefs urged to highlight London’s ‘diverse communities’
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell is to meet the organisers of the London 2012 Olympics next week to urge them to promote London’s diverse communities.
He said he hoped the games would include human rights-themed events and ensure that minorities are visible during ceremonies.
Mr Tatchell said he was meeting Stephen Frost, the head of diversity and inclusion, and Ruth Mackenzie, director of the Cultural Olympiad.
He added that he hopes to meet head of ceremonies Martin Green later this month.
He said: “It is not enough to have black, female and gay staff and volunteers, or to include them in the Olympic ceremonials.
“London’s diverse communities should be an identifiable, visible highlight of the opening and closing Ceremonies.
“This cultural diversity should be a key selling point of the 2012 Olympics: London as a world city that welcomes and embraces people from all cultures.”
Mr Tatchell added: “Racism, misogyny, homophobia and anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim prejudice contradict the Olympic values of non-discrimination and fair play.”
