Vice President of the European Commission to boycott Sochi Winter Olympics
The Vice President of the European Commission has announced that she is to boycott the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014, because of recently introduced anti-gay laws in Russia.
Viviane Reding, who is responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, tweeted on Monday to say that she would “certainly not go to Sochi as long as minorities are treated the way they are under the current Russian Legislation.”
The tweet came a day before the International Day of Human Rights, and on the launch of the Uprising for Love campaign, which was created to support human rights in Russia.
There have already been calls for a boycott of the Sochi Winter Olympics, which is to take place in February, since Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the promotion of homosexuality to minors in June.
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup, commented: “I welcome Ms Reding’s clear stance, which sends the right signal to Russian authorities.”
“I’m glad the Commissioner stands in solidarity with minorities in Russia.”
Michael Cashman MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, continued: “I welcome Ms Reding’s principled stand, even if her support for LGBT issues inside the EU has been rather tame during her mandate.”
“In Parliament we are particularly missing her commitment on an LGBT roadmap, which would ensure a better life for LGBT people. But I welcome her principled stand.”
