USOC Adds Sexual Orientation to Non-Discrimination Policy Ahead of Sochi; Rumors of U.S. Boycott of Moscow World Cup

MOSCOW, Russia, October 14. THE United States Olympic Committee has added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy this year, in a move that is being “interpreted as a reaction to Russian anti-gay laws,” according to Inside The Games.

With Russia implementing some harsh laws to criminalize homosexuality, some of the international community has been battling with how to deal with the new laws during the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

Inside The Games reports that “the USOC expects you to conduct yourself in an ethical and legal manner as a representative of the USOC. This requires you to respect the rights of all individuals to fair treatment and equal opportunity, free from discrimination or harassment of any type, including, without limitation discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or otherwise.”

Inside The Games article.

This Inside The Games report came out just a day prior to the FINA World Cup in Moscow, where only one American decided to make the trip.

When only Tom Shields showed up for the opening stop of the second cluster of meets, rumors ran rampant in Moscow that the U.S. had decided to boycott the meet. While there is no evidence of an organized boycott, the U.S. is definitely still supporting the rest of the tour with including members of the Junior National Team heading to Tokyo and Beijing under the direction of Mission Viejo’s Bill Rose next month.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use