In early 2014 GALA Choruses joined other LGBTQ organizations in writing to Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, asking “that the IOC develop language that explicitly includes sexual orientation in existing non-discrimination policies.” The full text of the letter from GALA Choruses can be found in a previous blog post here.
The IOC has responded and the news is very exciting. According to the IOC, “Principle 6 has now been updated to include a specific reference to sexual orientation.” See their full response below:
Dear Contributor
Thank you once again for your contribution to Olympic Agenda 2020, our strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.
As you are likely aware, the 40 recommendations that make up Olympic Agenda 2020 were unanimously approved by the full membership of the International Olympic Committee at the 127th IOC Session in Monaco on 8 December.
Your concerns in particular about Fundamental Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter were well-received. Principle 6 has now been updated to include a specific reference to sexual orientation:
“The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Olympic Charter shall be secured without discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”
These principles will also be included in the Host City Contract which will be signed by any future organizers of the Games and which will be made public.
The IOC wishes to reiterate that sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation. The Olympic Games should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media, and, of course, athletes.
We greatly appreciate your input and interest in the Olympic Movement.
For more information about Olympic Agenda 2020, please go to Olympic.org.
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