Posted on 12/19/2013 4:33:03 PM PST by bigtoona
Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano came out Thursday, two days after he was named to the U.S. delegation for Sochi along with openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow. The 1988 gold medalist had always kept his personal life private, saying in a statement that "being gay is just one part of who I am." But President Barack Obama's decision to include openly gay athletes in the delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies — and not send high-ranking officials — was widely seen as a message to Russia about its treatment of gays and lesbians. "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance," Boitano said in his statement. "As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations." Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning "gay propaganda," and some suggested the United States should boycott the Sochi Olympics in protest. Obama rejected that idea earlier this year, saying a stronger statement could be made by "gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze." But his choices for the U.S. delegation left little doubt about Obama's disapproval of the new Russian law.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
It would be easier to have a list of male skaters who are not gay.
LOL!
Jewish Nobel Prize winners.
Perhaps he’ll be arrested if he tries anything funny.
My life is now complete.
LOL! Is this news? I thought he, uh, “presented” himself a long long time ago. So I’m supposin’ (according to the lefties) that will take Phil Robertson off the list of possible special delegates because he might offend someone?
We had a friend “come out” to us a couple of years ago at a dinner. Everyone, including my teenaged daughters pretty much laughed out loud. It seems that this 45 year old guy was the last one to realize he was gay.
Duh.....
WOW! A REAL shocker! I NEVER would have suspected him!!!!
The next thing you know, Elton John will be exposed as gay!!
Figures.
Does this mean Cartman will now be asking “What wouldn’t Brian Boitano do?”
So bascially figure skating and the OLYMPIC commitee has gone political, and are making a statement
Billie Jean King is homosexual? I always wondered about him.
Who’d have thunk it?
> Here’s my shocked face
: O
Their version...
: O <===8
I know how you feel, I was so shocked, I had to call my mother and vent.
but Brian, we really don't care...personally I like it when I don't have to think about people's sex lives and what they do....why do you feel you have to tell us?
Next you’re going to try and tell me that Richard Simmons is gay. Pfff.
Wow what a surprise.
Maybe he’ll accidentally hook up with Janet Napalitano in Moscow.
That might turn anyone gay.
I knew Brian Boitano was gay the first time he opened his mouth.
What they are doing is getting Russia to change their policy. There are changes Russia must take, but it is not a turning of a blind eye to the impact of homosexuality.
Russia is experiencing an horrific HIV epidemic due to the needle injection of drugs and the sex trade. Because syringes are outlawed, they are scarce and drug users share the ones they can get. Also, because drugs are outlawed, coming down with HIV will result in jail time. Thus, if you are a homosexual (which is also outlawed) or a drug user, using the healthcare system is to be avoided. This allows HIV to spread in an epidemic. Also these infected drug users often go to prison where they infect other prisoners they have unprotected sex with and share needles with. A change in the policy of outlawing syringes would be a good step. Also, anyone who is found with the infection should be free of fear from prosecution. Their infection with HIV should be the penalty for their actions.
The other problem is the sex worker industry in Russia. Sex workers will be IV drug users and have unprotected sex to increase their payments (this money is needed to support their drug habit). Then, they go home to their husbands or boyfriends and have unprotected sex with them too. Also, men bring home HIV infections that they get from sex workers. This combination has caused Russia to have estimates of 3 million cases of HIV. The epidemic is growing.
The reaction of Russia to homosexuals is the result of the HIV epidemic. Homosexuals are just one more avenue of HIV infection Russia does not need. If they can discourage its practice through harsh penalties, they think they can control the homosexual circle of infection. The harsh penalties only cause infected persons to hide their infection so they can spread it to more unsuspecting persons.
Perhaps a nationwide HIV testing campaign would identify who has the infection and the proper steps could be taken to contain its spread.
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