IOC Adds Non-Discrimination Clause to Olympics Charter

After the widespread criticism the International Olympic Committee faced over Russia's anti-gay laws during the recent Games, the IOC has added a non-discrimination clause to their charter, preventing future contracts with any cities that discriminate.

Gay Star News reports the contract now stipulates that a host city would be required to follow the Charter rule that, "Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement."

The human rights group All Out praised the September 24 decision, saying that they will work to make sure the change was enforced.

Around the Rings notes in March, more than 80,000 All Out members called on the IOC to add such a provision, and partnered with Athlete Ally to launch the Principle 6 campaign during last year's Olympics, highlighting the Olympic principle of non-discrimination. The group championed the decision.

"This is a significant step in ensuring the protection of both citizens and athletes around the world and sends a clear message to future host cities that human rights violations, including those against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, will not be tolerated," said Andre Banks, co-founder and executive director of All Out. "This is a particularly important moment for the world's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens who face discrimination and persecution not only in Russia, but in countries all over the world."

According to IOC Sports Director, Christopher Dubi, the new clause will include "the prohibition of any form of discrimination, using the wording of Fundamental Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter."

Hudson Taylor, executive director of Athlete Ally, said that the decision shows that the Principle 6 campaign was a success, and "validates all of the hard work by organizations and individuals across the world who've engaged in the fight for LGBT equality. By adopting a non-discrimination clause into its host city contracts, the IOC is showcasing its own realization that we must protect the rights of every athlete to live free and openly. Though there's work to be done, this is a major step in the right direction."