Sochi athletes need to be congratulated for LGBTI activism

The Australian Greens will move a motion in the Senate congratulating all Australian athletes who are standing up for the LGBTI community while attending the Sochi Winter Olympics when Parliament resumes.

“The Olympics are about bringing people together, not discrimination,” the Greens’ LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“It’s important for governments and parliaments around the world to congratulate brave athletes who stand up for what’s right, and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing.

“Athletes like Belle Brockhoff are flying the flag for Australia in the sporting arena, but they’re also spreading the Australian message of tolerance, acceptance and treating people fairly.

“Racism, sexism and discrimination based on sexuality have no place in modern Olympics or in the modern world.

“The Greens will continue to fight for marriage equality on a domestic level and are thrilled that athletes like Belle are representing our country on the world-stage.”