Coca Cola bosses to decide whether to speak out against Russian LGBT issues ahead of Winter Olympics
Bosses at Coca Cola are to meet in order to decide whether to speak up about laws in Russia banning the promotion of “non traditional relationships”, ahead of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
As a sponsor, Coca Cola has been under pressure to make a stand against the laws, which have been widely condemned.
AllOut have created a form allowing users to easily send a message to Coca Cola management urging them to speak out against the law.
The description page reads: “Coca-Cola could claim Russia’s anti-gay laws have nothing to do with them. But if thousands of us email them now, they could see that this is a growing threat to Coca-Cola’s fun, friendly image.”
At the time, Coca-Cola spokesperson Kate Harman said: “We have long been a strong supporter of the LGBT community and have advocated for inclusion and diversity through both our policies and practices… We do not condone human rights abuses, intolerance, or discrimination of any kind anywhere in the world.
“As a sponsor since 1928, we believe the Olympic Games are a force for good that unite people through a common interest in sports, and we have seen firsthand the positive impact and long-lasting legacy they leave on every community that has been a host,” she continued.
At time of publication, over 11,000 had signed up to support the campaign.
IOC Co-ordination Committee Chairman Jean-Claude Killy dismissed concerns over Russian anti-gay legislation. “As long as the Olympic Charter is respected, we are satisfied,” he said.
