While the world turns their eyes to Sochi, Russia this February for the Winter Olympics, many will see some of the most daring and gifted athletes in the world compete in a variety of events that will test their minds, bodies and souls. They will witness the beautiful resort city of Sochi, nestled in southwestern Russia, lying on the shores of the Black Sea with the frigid Caucasus Mountains in the city’s backdrop. 

This will be the first time  that Russia will host the Winter Olympic Games. While the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow by the former Soviet Union were mired by the Cold War and political boycotts, the Winter Olympic bid for Sochi 2014 was supposed to symbolize “glasnost,” or openness, for the democratic Russian Federation. Ironically, it is Russia itself that is hindering the glasnost image of openness and in turn is preventing its goal to improve its image within the international community.

In June 2013, Russia’s lower house passed an anti-gay law preventing propaganda from “the gays.” The law prevents people from talking about homosexuality to minors, holding gay-pride events or merely defending the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in public. Fines can go up to $31,000 for these encounters and apply not only to Russian citizens but also to foreigners and media organizations alike.

The Russian government is taking away our right as members of an international community, which is greatly affecting the Winter Olympic Games.

It is clear the Russian government is using anti-gay propaganda to influence its citizens before the upcoming Olympic Games. On Nov. 13, during the TV show “Special Correspondent,” the host justified the blatantly discriminatory law, saying that it is “essential to protect our children from perverts.” During the broadcast, the TV channel displayed the Olympic Rings under its logo. Interestingly enough, Rossiya 1 will be the exclusive broadcaster of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia.

The growing disparity between the United States’s and Russia’s government was  evident in 2013. Edward Snowden’s NSA scandal, the controversial use of chemical weapons in Syria (Russia’s ally) and the passing of the anti-gay law all add to the tension as the Winter Olympics approach. In response, President Barack Obama’s Olympic delegation will include an openly gay athlete, Billie Jean King. It will also be the first time since 2000 that a US president, vice-president or first lady will not be a member of the delegation.

It is a strong message against the Russian government, and it is one I applaud. Russia has to be more cooperative.

As the late Nelson Mandela said during a social dilemma of apartheid similar to the anti-gay laws in Russia today, “Sport has the power to change the world.” The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi indeed serve as a great opportunity for Russia to change the international community’s opinion of it.

And while the public may be focused on the beauty and marvel that is the Winter Olympic Games this February, these past months have uncovered an eerie prospect, a prospect that the Russian Federation may not be all that different from the Soviet Union that preceded it.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Alex Yom at [email protected].