A Greens’ motion supporting Australian athletes at the Sochi Winter Olympics who have spoken out in support of the LGBTI community has passed the Senate today.

“Today the Senate showed its support for Australian athletes who are standing for the LGBTI community in Sochi,” the Greens’ LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“The Olympics are about celebrating human achievement. They’re about inclusivity and excellence, they’re not about discrimination.

“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.

“Russia’s discriminatory anti-gay laws need to be condemned and I am pleased that the Australian Parliament recognised those athletes who are speaking out.”