Say no to Sochi

CIDI calls on Canadians to take a stand

TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion (CIDI) is calling for Canada to boycott the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games due to the recent legislation banning the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations".  The law imposes fines and jail time for an LGBT person or their straight allies, who speak out in support of LGBT rights.

"Human rights must come above all," Michael Bach, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Institute for Diversity and Inclusion. "Any country that participates in these games is, by their action, complicit in human rights abuses that are taking place in Russia today. If a country cannot ensure the safety of their citizens and residents, they must boycott the games."

CIDI's position

Canadians have protections under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that prohibits discrimination at work based on, among other things, sexual orientation and gender. The Olympic and Paralympic games are considered a workplace for athletes, coaches, support staff, and officiates who are due to participate. However, the Canadian government cannot ensure the safety of its citizens or guarantee they will not be discriminated against while attending or participating in the games.

The boycott

CIDI does not anticipate that the boycott will motivate the Russian government to change its position on the human rights of LGBT citizens, tourists and their allies. What it will do is the following:

1. Ensure that Canadian citizens and residents that are attending or participating in the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic games in Sochi are not subject to harassment, violence, criminalization and fines as a consequence of being LGBT or an ally of the LGBT community.
2. Send a clear message to Russia and other countries that do not respect the human rights of LGBT people, that there is a financial impact for this type of abuse.
3. Solidify Canada's commitment to human rights and sends a message to the world that Canada is a country that encourages dialogue and differences of opinion, provided that all people are treated equally.

"The decision to support a boycott does not come easily," said Michael Bach. "We recognize the monumental effort that is takes for an athlete to qualify and participate in the Olympics or Paralympics."

Take action now

Visit saynotosochi.ca and click on the Be Heard link at the top of the page to send a letter to all Canadian members of Parliament, Senators, and the Presidents and CEOs of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. By sending your message and supporting the boycott you are showing that you prioritize the safety of Canadians and the human rights of all people above all else.

SOURCE: Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion

Media Inquiries:

Kathleen Kahlon
Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion
[email protected]
416.567.3446