A new Russian law barring displays of affection by gay couples or displaying symbols such as the rainbow flag will be enforced against fans and athletes attending next year’s Winter Olympics, one of the measure’s top supporters says.
ABC News reported that Vitaly Milonov, who sponsored legislation in St. Petersburg that became the basis for a national law signed by President Vladimir Putin in June, said the measure will be applied to foreigners at the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sounded cautiously optimistic the games would be safe for all fans.
“This legislation has just been passed into law and it remains to be seen whether and how it will be implemented, particularly in regards to the games in Sochi,” the IOC said.
The organization said it had received assurances from the highest levels in the Russian government that the measure “will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games.”
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