Dustin Lance Black: ‘Allowing Russia to host these (Olympics) is a monumental hypocrisy that threatens to tarnish one of this world’s greatest traditions’

So the Olympics are underway in Sochi, Russia, and the focus is on the athletic competitions.

But it’s hard to enjoy the games for some of us because they are being held in a country with oppressive anti-gay laws.

I wrote about some of the arrests of LGBT demonstrators over at Gay Star News and included is a video that leaves you feeling outraged.

The crime? Waving rainbow pride flags in Red Square and singing the Russian national anthem.

Oscar winning screenwriter and LGBT activist Dustin Lance Black shared his thoughts on the situation in Russia in a blog post earlier today.

Here is an excerpt:

Last night a torch was lit to mark the opening of the 2014 Olympic games in Sochi. While I commend every athlete who takes part in these games, I can’t help but think of the many LGBT brothers and sisters I met on my recent trip to Russia who are persecuted daily just for being who they are.

The Olympic Charter’s 6th principle clearly states that discrimination of a person based on their immutable characteristics is “incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.” With this in mind I ask: how can the Olympics be held in a country that illegalizes, brutalizes, and marginalizes an entire group of people just for being who they are? Allowing Russia to host these games is a monumental hypocrisy that threatens to tarnish one of this world’s greatest traditions. We must never allow such hypocrisy again.

****

For the sake of those suffering in Russia and beyond, this moment must not be wasted. Over these next two weeks, I urge those within the glow of the Olympic flame: athletes, coaches, visitors, spectators and Russians alike to live in bravery and speak their truth openly as LGBT persons or allies of equality. History tells us that such valiant honesty can correct the record, dispel the lies and ultimately save countless lives.

These new laws in Russia were designed to create silence and darkness. The Olympic flame was built to shed light. With courage and heart from those on the ground, the light of the flame may yet prove one of the greatest heroes of these Olympic games.

To learn how you can support LGBT Russians visit http://uprisingoflove.org/