alwaysanoriginal:

I think the 2014 Winter Olympics should be moved out of Russia and take place in the Vancouver facilities use in 2010. Confused? Think that’s kind of random? Cool, let me explain.

For those who may somehow be unaware… The cliffnotes version of what’s been happening in Russia for a couple of months now is that Russian President Vladimir Putin has instilled an “anti-gay propaganda law.” On the surface, this means anyone publicly demonstrating support for LGBT individuals in any way is to be arrested. It’s become not only that, but anyone SUSPECTED OR ACCUSED of such behavior is being detained immediately; public beatings and lashings are taking place in the streets; and everyday people are torturing, raping (for “correction”), beating, kidnapping, and murdering their peers. Google it and prepare to be horrified. Most are getting away with their actions, because the government and police condone their evil and are turning a blind eye. The issue is snowballing.

Here’s where the Olympics part comes in: At first, people were suggesting the Winter Olympics be banned COMPLETELY to make a stance against Russia. Yet that’s both incredibly unfair to the athletes and in reality would ultimately be unsuccessful. But something needs to be done, not only because these movements need to be clearly condemned by the world over but also because of recent developments. Russia’s Sports Minister has confirmed that these laws will be enforced against LGBT Olympic athletes and supporters who are in Russia for the Games. It is not only about the Russians’ safety any longer (though that’s reason enough by itself, as I’ll explain below), but now the safety of people the world over will be in jeopardy at the Games.

-> George Takei proposes that the games be moved from Russia to the still-available Vancouver facilities, where they were held in 2010. Please read his post here to understand his thought-out reasoning. It’s very well explained and will go even farther to help you understand.

-> Stephen Fry also strongly suggests the same movement in “An Open Letter to David Cameron and the IOC,” and likens this situation to that of the 1936 Berlin Games. The world and those involved in the Olympics paid no heed to Hitler’s beginning movements against Jews during that time; as a result, he became more confident and it increased his status as Führer. Much, much more can be found on Stephen Fry’s post, and I STRONGLY suggest you read it.

After considering all of this… If you agree that the International Olympic Committee should move the 2014 Winter Games to Vancouver—- not only to make a clear statement against the evil happening in Russia, but also to protect the safety of everyone involved in the Games—- SIGN THE PETITION. As always, every signature counts!

Lastly… On MSNBC tonight, George Takei quoted Edmund Burke in saying “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” I think that’s pretty spot-on, and I hope it’s what everyone ultimately comes to realize in everything, but particularly in regards to this issue at the moment.

SIGN, REBLOG, AND SPREAD THE WORD. LET’S GET EVERYONE TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON, AND DECIDE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

It’s contagious.: Russia’s “anti-gay propaganda law,” and how it affects the 2014 Winter Olympics.