U.S. State Department warns Americans — especially gays — about Sochi Games

[davidpdx]

Source: Yahoo

The State Department on Friday cautioned Americans looking to travel to the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, that the competition may be an “attractive target” for terrorists – and issued a special warning for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers.

snip

Any Americans convicted of breaking that law might face fines of up to $3,100, up to 14 days in jail and deportation, said the department, which referred LGBT travelers to a special website.

That site notes, “Attitudes and tolerance toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons vary from country to country, just as they vary among U.S. cities and states” — and that in some places, gays might even be sentenced to death. “Before choosing one’s international destination, LGBT travelers should carefully consider the laws and biases of their international destination and decide how open one can be regarding one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Overall, Americans looking to attend the games “should remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times,” avoid large demonstrations in areas lacking “enhanced security measures” and be aware that extremists might target the competition.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/state-dept-warns-americans--especially-gays--about-sochi-games-200216000.html

[okaawhatever]

1. I wonder when the State Dept even began mentioning LGBT laws and rules. I wonder if that was

something that was previously only covered in the LGBT press? Glad to see the State Dept is waking up to the reality and treating all travelers equally in terms of information.

[WilliamPitt]

2. Free ticket to Sochi?

[LuvNewcastle]

3. Yeah, I think I'll pass.

Russians will have to make a lot of changes before I ever grace them with my presence, and I'm not holding my breath.

[davidpdx]

4. +1

You are welcome to come over here for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.