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.
Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter states that, “Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement.” The IOC has confirmed that this includes sexual orientation.
Hudson Taylor, founder of the organization Athlete Ally that has partnered with P6, will be in Russia during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. There, he plans to raise awareness for LGBT rights. Taylor, a straight ally and wrestling champion, has been a tireless, vocal advocate for our rights for years now, so this latest brave move comes as no surprise.
The organization All Out has also joined forces with P6, as has GLAAD, which is serving as a media partner.
In Russia, you can be fined or arrested for speaking out publicly about gay, lesbian, bi or trans issues. The Principle 6 campaign cleverly uses the language of the Olympic Charter to allow athletes and fans to speak out against this discrimination during the Sochi Games without violating Russian anti-gay laws or violating the Olympic ban on political speech.
By openly supporting P6, everyone can celebrate the values that inspire the Olympic Games and stand in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in Russia and around the world. Look for athletes flashing six fingers (lesbian snowboarder Belle Brockhoff said she plans to do that) and for people wearing P6 gear. After covering costs, proceeds from P6 merchandise sales are going directly to benefit LGBT groups in Russia.
For more information and to order P6 gear, please go to: http://www.principle6.org/.
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