Russia warns gays to 'obey law' in Sochi

Another blow to the sweet smell of Olympic money IOC's assurances that gays in Sochi will not be subjected to the "propaganda" laws at Russia's Sochi games. The other day a lawmaker said the Russian gov doesn't have the power to go against the law by offering assurances like that. Now the Russian sports minister himself has come out with even more stronger words:

The comments by Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko appear to contradict assurances from the International Olympic Committee last week that no athlete attending the games would be targeted by the law. 

"The law talks not about banning a non-traditional orientation but about other things, about propaganda and implicating minors," Mutko told the R-Sport news agency. 

"No one is banning a sportsman with a non-traditional sexual orientation from going to Sochi. But if he goes out onto the street and starts to make propaganda, then of course he will be brought to responsibility. 

"As a sportsman, he should respect the law of a country," Mutko added. "Come (to Sochi), but don't get young people involved, don't make propaganda. This is what we are talking about." more  

Could it be any clearer? Not only will visitors be subject to the laws, but they also face the real threat of neo-nazi thugs clobbering them.

Update:

The Canadian foreign affairs minister has some choice words for the Russians: 

Baird said Mutko's comments appeared to have "pushed aside" earlier assurances the International Olympic Committee received from Russian officials that athletes and other visitors would not be subjected to the new law. 

"We wanted more than a verbal commitment to the IOC. And now the comments by the Russian sports minister, Vitaly Mutko, are of deep concern," Baird said. 

"The Olympics is a great celebration of international sport, of international co-operation. This type of law being enforced flies in the face of the entire Olympic spirit." more