A source at the Russian consulate in Toronto, who wishes to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak to the media on this issue, has told The Gay Report that the recently approved anti-gay propaganda law will be enforced during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia next year and the 2018 World Cup even though the International Olympic Committee has recently stated that said law will be 'suspended' during the games.
"The Olympic committee is absolutely wrong to state that the laws of the land will be suspended during the games. That is absurd," says the source.
The anti-gay propaganda law, proven to be popular within Russia, carries stiff fines for anybody promoting homosexuality in public or in private.
"What I understand is that the law covers both private and public domains. If somebody is engaging in homosexual propaganda they will be arrested, regardless if its done in private or public," the source informs The Gay Report.
"The Russian Federation will be enforcing the law especially during the Olympic games since children will be watching. Anybody using the winter Olympics as a platform to engage in homosexual propaganda will be arrested and deported. Regardless what the [Olympic] committee said, the law will be enforced, period. It is very disingenuous of [The International Olympic Committee] to tell the international press otherwise."
The source also informs The Gay Report that during the winter games extra police officers will be on the look out for anybody breaking the law.
"We are aware of reports that some athletes and other pressure groups are planning to use the games as a platform for homosexual propaganda within Russia, and so more security forces will be deployed to monitor that."
"Those who wish to participate in the games can do so, and we welcome them to the Russian Federation, so as long as they obey the laws. The federation has very traditional family values and homosexuality is repulsive and disgusting to many Russians and the Orthodox Church. We ask all those who are going to participate to please respect the traditions and the religious sensitivities of the Russian Federation."
Asked if somebody like Johnny Weir were to speak out on gay issues in Russia during the games next year would he be arrested. The source said that he thinks that would be illegal under the new law.
"Obviously speaking out on homosexuality will put him in the red zone and would no doubt be breaking the law."
"He could face heavy fines and would be immediately deported regardless of what the [IOC] says."
On FIFA and the World Cup the source says that FIFA has been made aware by the Federation that all participants during those games in 2018 must obey all the country's laws. The source explained that FIFA has agreed to enforce the laws of Russia, including the anti-gay law, in their FIFA courts.
"Participants during the World Cup 2018 will also be subjected to all laws, including the anti-propaganda law covering homosexuality, that is part of our agreement with FIFA. Recently FIFA has contacted the Federation on this issue and they have agreed to enforce this law in their courts. Anybody caught breaking the law will be subject to fines and immediate deportation."
The source also has advice for all foreign gay athletes and their allies.
"Just be quiet and enjoy the games. Why do you need to impose this lifestyle on our country? There is no need. Everybody is welcome, again, everybody is welcome to participate in these games. All we ask is that you respect our laws and our traditions. Just like we respect the laws and traditions of the West including the United States and Canada. If you go to the Winter Olympics next year please do so with good intentions. If you are going to cause distractions and disturbing the peace then you do not deserve to play what is supposed to be a peaceful game."
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