U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning For Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for anyone traveling to Russia for the Sochi Winter Olympics. Russia has an anti-gay law.

In June 2013, Russia's State Duma passed a law banning the ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations’ to minors. The U.S. government understands this law applies to both Russian citizens and foreigners in Russia. Russian citizens found guilty of violating the law could face a fine of up to 100,000 rubles ($3,100). Foreign citizens face similar fines, up to 14 days in jail, and deportation. The law makes it a crime to promote LGBT equality in public, but lacks concrete legal definitions for key terms. Russian authorities have indicated a broad interpretation of what constitutes ‘LGBT propaganda,’ and provided vague guidance as to which actions will be interpreted by authorities as ‘LGBT propaganda,’ part of the travel warning reads.

A NBC news article reported gay rights marches in Russia are usually broken up and it’s common to see police detaining activists even before demonstrations begin.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach announced in December “special protest zones would be set up” in order to combat the heavy criticism of Russia’s anti-gay law, a Pink News article reported.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin later signed a decree banning protests, demonstrations and rallies during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics between January 7 and March 21, another Pink News article reported.

ClearCause urges everyone who plans to travel to Russia for the Sochi Winter Olympics practice extreme caution while they are there. It is essential to educate yourself on a country’s laws and culture before traveling abroad to make sure you stay as safe as possible.