Winnipeg university student Dayne Moyer has started a petition in opposition to an anti-gay law in Russia.
Moyer is pushing for Olympic athletes to add a rainbow patch or pin to the uniforms they wear to the opening ceremony in Sochi. He says he wants athletes to stand in solidarity for LGBT rights.
It’s one of a number of protests against new anti-gay policies in Russia. The host country of the 2014 Olympics has made it illegal to express pro-gay views or speak about homosexuality around children at risk of fines – or even jail.
"I don't think there is a debate that we need to do something - the question is what," said Moyer.
“When you mix politics, ethics and sports, the result is sometimes a striking advance for human rights,” said University of Manitoba ethics professor Arthur Schafer.
He said one of the great successes of this was the elimination of apartheid in South Africa.
Manitoba Olympian Megan Imrie said she would stand in solidarity with her teammates and wear a patch or pin if asked by the Canadian Olympic Committee.
She said it is up to the Canadian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee to make those decisions.
The COC isn’t addressing the petitions.
In a statement, Dimitri Soudas, the organization’s executive director of communications said: “Playing sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.” He added, “Our main focus is the preparation and performance of Canada’s athletes at the 2014 Games.”
Moyer has addressed his petition to the Canadian, U.S.A. and British Olympic Committees.
