THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

"It is crucial that the U.S. delegation and Members of Congress be prepared to engage Russian officials, the international media, and human rights defenders about issues of human rights and equality at the Olympic Games," said Human Rights First's Shawn Gaylord. "Russia's anti-'propaganda' laws and the threat of new legislation targeting families headed by LGBT people have created a climate of fear for sexual minorities and a permissive environment for violence against them. As we approach the Sochi Olympic games, the U.S. government needs to speak clearly about the importance of respecting the human rights of all people."

As part of the organization's ongoing campaign to repeal Russia's anti-gay laws and in addition to today's hearing, Human Rights First has joined Principle 6, a campaign spearheaded by Athlete Ally and All Out. Principle 6, a campaign inspired by the values of the Olympic charter, is a way for athletes, spectators, and global supporters to celebrate the Olympic principle of non-discrimination and call for an end to Russia's anti-gay laws before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. American Apparel has partnered with the campaign to produce and distribute Principle 6 gear online and in their stores globally. Proceeds from the Principle 6 clothing line will support the campaign and Russian LGBT groups. Human Rights First will be providing Principle 6 gear to Members of Congress wishing to join with the campaign at today's briefing and in coming weeks.

Human Rights First urges the White House to ensure that the U.S. delegation to the Sochi Olympics include prominent LGBT people, as well as allies of the LGBT community, who will carry a message of tolerance and respect for individual rights and human dignity. The organization also continues to call on the U.S. government to pressure Russian lawmakers both directly and through the U.S. Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee, like-minded governments, and Olympic sponsors to repeal the anti-"propaganda" laws which target the LGBT community. The Human Rights First August 2013 report, Convenient Targets, tracks the rise in regional anti-"propaganda" laws that spurred on federal legislation and includes recommendations for the U.S. government.