The IOC is "finalizing a letter to Olympic athletes reminding them to refrain from demonstrations or political gestures during the Winter Games in Sochi," including any protests against Russia's law banning gay "propaganda," according to the AP. The IOC exec board was "expected to approve the instructions at its meeting in Lausanne on Tuesday." The letter will "then be sent to the national Olympic committees that are sending athletes to the Sochi Games." The memo will focus on Rule 50 in the Olympic Charter, which states, "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas." IOC President Thomas Bach said, "We will give the background of the Rule 50, explaining the interpretation of the Rule 50 to make the athletes aware and to assure them that the athletes will be protected." The IOC letter comes amid "continuing Western criticism of Russia's human rights record and the recently enacted law which bans promotion of 'nontraditional sexual relations' to minors." The issue has raised questions over "what would happen to athletes who wear a pin or patch or carry a rainbow flag to show their support for gay rights." The IOC board will also hear from "Brazilian organizers of the 2016 Olympics." The board will also consider the status of "India's national Olympic committee, which amended its constitution Sunday to avoid becoming the first country expelled from the Olympic movement since South Africa was kicked out more than 40 years ago for its apartheid policies" (AP, 12/9).
