Normally I like to think that for the most part, countries should be left to their own devices. Who are we to tell other countries how to run their state? However, in light of the Winter Olympic Games being held in Sochi in 2014, I do think we need to force the IOC into changing venue, or to make Putin back down on these highly oppressive laws he has been introducing.
We are in the 21st century and yet some countries, who try to align themselves with Western ideals and thinking, as well as Western capitalism, seem to think its ok to bring in new laws that tyrannise minority groups within their own land! How is this forward thinking? Indeed, it is the exact opposite. With the new laws against gays/lesbians Putin has pushed Russia back into the past.
To think that the IOC, who have strong guidelines for what is to be expected of a host nation, can think that it is acceptable for Russia to bring out these laws and keep the priviledge of being a host, is quite frankly, absurd!
I think we should call on the IOC to put it to Russia to overturn new laws against gay and lesbian citizens (and visitors) or face having the Winter Olympics 2014 moved to another venue.
I am rather disgusted that the IOC have not already done this. They are putting gay and lesbian participants, commentators and supporters at risk of violence and jail!
As Stephen Fry so eloquently put it, this is remeniscent of another European tyrant, Hitler!
Included here is a link to the above mentioned letter.
I would say to Russia, and to Putin in particular, rethink what you are doing. If you want to be accepted by the more liberal countries in the world, treating those who are different from you with respect is a must!
On another note, I have written a bit of a sexy witchy/werewolfy/vampirey book (not erocita, but sexy). If you like Charlaine Harris, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, hopefully you'll like this. It is available on kindle and now in paperback.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Wolf-Witch-Coffin-ebook/dp/B00CCWL6ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366023812&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wolf%2C+the+witch+and+the+coffin
My second book, The Island of the Mist, is now available on both Kindle and paperback formats:
Kindle: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-Kingslayer-Series-ebook/dp/B0092TUS7U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346945410&sr=1-2
And paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346506656&sr=1-2
and in the US: http://www.amazon.com/Island-Mist-N-Roy/dp/147921292X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346946271&sr=1-2&keywords=the+island+of+the+mist
My first book, The Stone in the Sword, is now reduced in price: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Sword-ebook/dp/B006ZQIEPG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327179005&sr=1-3
