After backlash over the Sochi, Russia, gamesovershadowed by the host country Russia's anti-gay lawsthe International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) has made another attempt at formally declaring its inclusiveness of the LGBT community, MSNBC reported.
Members of the IOC unanimously approved a measure to rewrite the Olympic Charter's non-discrimination policy, adding sexual orientation to the list. Under Principle 6, the new clause says there should be no discrimination "of any kind, such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status."
Although LGBT activists lauded the move, many feel that more needs to be done. Ty Cobb, Human Rights Campaign director of global engagement, said in a statement to MSNBC, "Even though the IOC has now taken an important first step, more needs to be done to ensure that in future games, all people are respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."
Outsports' Cyd Ziegler was even more critical, saying, "I don't think it's real. They told us that the Olympic Charter already protected gay people, and yet they chose Russia to host the 2014 games." He added that the IOC needs to completely stand by its LGBT-related policies.
In a statement, the group All Out noted, "The International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) just took the final step to protect all lesbian, bi and gay athletes and fans," while also thanking people who signed its petition. However, All Out added, "The IOC didn't discuss including 'gender identity' so trans fans and athletes are still at risk of discrimination during the Olympics. We need to keep the pressure on the IOC and other international bodies to make sure NO ONE has to suffer for who they are or who they love."