A violation of human rights is of great concern, no matter where it takes place.

Experts who recently spoke at Syracuse University made it clear that we must not ignore any kind of injustice, especially in the country hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Russia’s federal laws that banned “gay propaganda” in June have resulted in unjust and violent discrimination of the country’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. Media coverage has shown Russians in the LGBT community being attacked and beaten at gay pride parades and protest demonstrations.

These controversial policies under Russian President Vladimir Putin have gained attention, as the 2014 Olympics will take place in Sochi this winter.

Homophobia and discrimination are not unique to Russia. However, we can still shed light on the problem and begin a discussion on this kind of institutionalized prejudice.

A panel of speakers spoke about the effect of these laws this past Thursday at SU’s College of Law, hosted by law student organizations OutLaw and the Entertainment & Sports Law Society.

Events like this are important to draw attention to global issues, since most of the time, these issues are not exclusive to other countries.

At the panel, professor Brian Taylor from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs explained that the anti-LGBT laws in Russia are purposely vague. It forbids “non-traditional sexual relations,” but does not outright mention homosexuality. The laws ban such “propaganda,” but don’t define the meaning of the word.

“Ambiguity is the point,” Taylor said. “This is not a mistake. This is deliberate.”
Putin’s laws enable prosecutors to decide whether to open a case depending on the circumstance, which only makes these policies even more ridiculous.

The anti-LGBT laws apply to foreigners too, including Americans heading to Sochi to compete in the Olympics or traveling there for work purposes. This also includes some of our own SU students who will be interning there.

But it isn’t only the visitors and residents in Sochi who can make a difference.

Also at the panel was Gregory Katsenelinboigen, a journalist from Radio Free Europe, who said Americans need local spokespeople to publicly challenge the laws. He said it is important some of these people be allies to prove that gay rights are human rights, and human rights should not be denied.

Professor Rick Burton from the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics said this situation poses a risk for the LGBT community not only in Russia, but also in other areas of the world.

The laws in Russia prove that sexual orientation is often feared, and that fear can transcend to LGBT expression being intolerable and then outlawed. We need widespread dialogue and education to prevent this type of response.

The collision of LGBT rights and sports has become a growing topic of discussion in the United States, as well, where LGBT athletes face scrutiny.

When the Phoenix Mercury selected Brittney Griner as the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft, most of the press focused on her sexuality and gender expression. Jason Collins also received attention when he became the first active male professional athlete in a major North American team sport to publicly come out as gay last April.

In Russia, the government will likely do all it can to keep the focus on the sports and their events at this year’s Olympic games, but we must remember the citizens of Russia and how they are continually harassed through Putin’s laws.

The Sochi Olympics will come and go, but homophobia still continues. This must be a learning experience for the world, or else Russia won’t be alone in perpetrating abuse.

Laura Cohen is a junior magazine journalism and women’s and gender studies major. Her column appears weekly. She can be reached at [email protected].

Published on November 20, 2013 at 1:25 am