I.O.C. Adds Sexual Orientation in Non-Discrimination Language to Olympic Charter

Photo of Hudson Taylor by Kristiina Wilson

Yesterday the International Olympic Committee amended the Olympic charter to include sexual orientation in its non-discrimination language in Principal 6. This move came on the heels of the Sochi games, which stirred up a firestorm of controversy due to Russia's homophobic gay propaganda law.

"There is no greater sign of progress in combating homophobia in sports than to have the oldest organized athletic competition in the history of the world saying enough is enough," said Hudson Taylor, executive director of Athlete Ally. "The International Olympic Committee took a major step today recognizing that the practice of sport is a human right and that every individual must be able to practice without discrimination."

While the I.O.C. made significant progress by deciding to include sexual orientation in Principal 6, it failed to include gender-identity in its non-discrimination language.

"We've seen significant progress today, but the job of the I.O.C. in achieving full equality is not done," Taylor. "The I.O.C. needs to include gender-identity in its Principal 6 language and Athlete Ally will continue to work with itscoalition partners to encourage the organization to do just that."