Denmark: Thousands march against Russia’s anti-gay laws

Media reports estimate that about 10,000 people took part in a demonstration in Copenhagen against Russia’s anti-gay laws Aug 20.

Dubbed “To Russia with Love,” the demonstration started off in front of the Christiansborg, the house of parliament, and then headed to the Russian embassy, where participants submitted the signatures of people who opposed the laws, The Copenhagen Post reports.

At one intersection, marchers spray-painted white crosswalk bars in rainbow colours to the delight of their fellow protesters.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press (AP) reports that the Russian government has written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), assuring that it will comply with Olympic charter provisions agianst discrimination.

In the letter, Russia’s deputy prime minister, Dmitry Kozak, reiterated previous statements by other Russian officials that the so-called gay propaganda law, enacted in June, focuses on the “restriction of information that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships among children” and doesn’t impose restrictions on sexual orientation. AP says Kozal emphasized that the Russian constitution “prohibits discrimination against anyone based on sex, race or religion.”

The letter also stated that the “requirements” of the anti-gay laws “do not attract any limitations for participants and spectators of the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi on their legal right of residence in the territory of the Russian Federation or participation in any events stipulated in the Games program that are contradictory to the Olympic Charter or universally recognized standards of international law on human rights.”

In his own statement, IOC president Jacques Rogge acknowledged the receipt of “strong written reassurances from the Russian government that everyone will be welcome at the games in Sochi regardless of their sexual orientation.”

But AP notes that it’s still not clear whether athletes or spectators who make gestures or wear items in support of gay rights will face any form of censure at the Games next year.

The IOC has said it will penalize athletes who make political statements at the Games, citing Rule 50 of its charter that says such demonstrations are not permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas. Violations of the rule could lead to “disqualification or withdrawal of the accreditation of the person concerned.”

In the wake of Swedish high jumper Emma Green Tregaro’s symbolic rainbow-nails protest against Russia’s anti-gay laws at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow, her country’s Olympic Committee has ruled that actions against the legislation will not be tolerated in Sochi.