{"id":435758,"date":"2020-06-14T11:12:53","date_gmt":"2020-06-14T18:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=435758"},"modified":"2020-06-14T11:12:53","modified_gmt":"2020-06-14T18:12:53","slug":"global-athlete-calls-on-ioc-to-immediately-abolish-olympic-ban-on-kneeling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/global-athlete-calls-on-ioc-to-immediately-abolish-olympic-ban-on-kneeling\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Athlete Calls on IOC to \u2018Immediately Abolish\u2019 Olympic Ban on Kneeling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Global Athlete on Sunday published a letter<\/a> to the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee urging them to immediately repeat prohibitions on taking a knee in solidarity with the global anti-racism movement.<\/p>\n

The international athlete-led movement<\/a> is asking the IOC to repeal Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter<\/a>. The rule ostensibly maintains political neutrality of the Games, but in reality, Global Athlete says, it quashes any hint of dissent or political consciousness from being displayed.<\/p>\n

From the letter:<\/p>\n

Athletes have had to choose between competing in silence and standing up for what\u2019s right for far too long. It is time for change. Every athlete must be empowered to use their platforms, gestures and voice. Silencing the athlete voice has led to oppression, silence has led to abuse, and silence has led to discrimination in sport.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Global Athlete goes on to write that the rule puts athletes, \u201cin a powerless position,\u201d subject to rules it has no say in determining despite being an important stakeholder in how those rules are carried out. The letter calls Rule 50, \u201ca clear breach of every athletes\u2019 human rights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rule 50 governs freedom of expression within the Olympic movement, billing itself as a \u201cframework to protect the neutrality of sport and the Olympic Games.\u201d According to the rule, \u201cNo kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,\u201d including the field of play, the Olympic village or official ceremonies (opening, closing, medal, etc.). Among the expressly forbidden protests are:<\/p>\n