IOC Head Asks Russia to Clarify Anti-Gay Law

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. Photo by EPA

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has asked Russia to explain how its new law on gay “propaganda” might affect next year's winter games.

Jacques Rogge said in Moscow that Russian written reassurances over the Winter Olympics needed clarification.

"We don't think it is a fundamental issue, more a translation issue," Rogge said, according to the BBC.

Rogge said the IOC is looking at written confirmation from the Russian side that the law will not apply to athletes and visitors in Sochi.

The controversial law, which was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, levies stiff fines or jail terms for organizations or individuals who “promote non-traditional relationships” to minors.

Russia has come under international criticism, including from the European Court of Human Rights and European Parliament, for its treatment of gay people.

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