The colony of Canada has constructed LGBT rights in its constitutional framework. Although this gives many rights to LGBT people within the colony of Canada, we must contrast this against the operations of our government abroad.
What are our governments and political leaders saying when they claim to guarantee rights while simultaneously actively participating in events that fail to enforce the ideals of the citizens they represent?
It’s hypocrisy, plain and simple. Canada and other nations should have stood in solidarity, not to boycott the Olympics, but to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to meet basic human rights laws.
The failure to do so shows support by being an inactive bystander. Corporate sponsors should stand up as well and run LGBT-themed advertisements during the Olympics.
I’m disgusted that the IOC failed to act when Russia altered their laws to criminalize certain forms of sexuality. And I’m also upset that powerful nations and corporations stand by and allow for human rights abuses to take place.
However, I’m not surprised.
Our government commits many human rights abuses, historically and currently, and yet I see people still waving flags with enthusiasm.
So, don’t boycott the Olympics; rather, criticize those whose support the IOC and the governments of countries that criminalize what should be basic human rights.