Coco-Cola slammed for refusing to withdraw Sochi Olympic funding despite anti-gay bill

COCA-Cola have strained relationships with the world's gay community to breaking point by refusing to withdraw their sponsorship from the controversial Sochi Winter Olympic games.
 STRAIN: Thousands have signed an online petition imploring Coca-Cola to windraw their Olympic sponsorship

Many people within the LGBT community – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and transgendered – have slated the fizzy drinks company's decision to stay associated with the controversial games in Russia where many have been hurt by the continuing persecution of homosexual and trans people inside the country.


Harrowing videos of homophobic attacks and beatings have surfaced on YouTube, but Coco-Cola has refused to remove its funding.

In many districts of Russia, homosexuals are tracked down and hunted like sport.
Many people in the LGBT communities are disgusted that such a big company refuses to condemn such persecution, while some see Coco-Cola's continued funding in such a troubled political climate as a complete abandonment for the representation of gay and trans people.
Controversial president Vladamir Putin even said Russia would welcome homosexual athletes to Sochi – if they could behave themselves around children.

Putin ignored the persistent attacks on gays in Russia and told the world: "We are not forbidding anything and nobody is being grabbed off the street. There is no punishment for such relations."

He then mistakenly linked homsexuality with paedophilia, telling gay athletes: "You can feel relaxed and calm [in Russia], but leave children alone please."

Despite same-sex relationships being de-criminalised back in 1993, Putin passed legislation which banned the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships' accessible to minors".

SHOCKING: Putin claimed that gay athletes would be welcome in Russia, 'if they left children alone' 
 

Although the federal law doesn't define exactly what is meant by "non-traditional", it is widely understood by the Russian public to include lesbian, gay and bisexual relationships.

An independent poll conducted in Russia suggests 68% of the public support the anti-gay "propaganda" law, which links wrongly homosexuals with paedophiles.

The statute has lead to vigilante groups identifying, abducting and brutally torturing individuals they believe to be gay under the guise of protecting Russian children.

Human rights organisations in Russia continue to report harrowing homophobic and transphobic attacks, evidence of which is easy to find as vigilante groups often film their uber violent attacks.
Online petitions have been signed by thousands, imploring Coca-Cola to show solidarity with the gay and trans community by making a stand against Putin's legislation.

Surprisingly Stonewall International, an organisation which champions the rights of lesbian, gay and trans people, backed Coca-Cola's decision to remain the official sponsor of the Russian Winter Olympics.

SLAMMED: Coca-Cola have refused to pull their backing from the controversial games 
 

In a briefing outlining why a boycott of the games is not being called for Stonewall explain what businesses can do to make it clear that LGBT people in Russia, and in the rest of the world, deserve equality.

"Businesses have a responsibility to their staff worldwide and can be influential in Russia."
Meanwhile, Coco-Cola released a statement in response to the concerns raised by their unflinching affiliation with the controversial games.

"As one of the world’s most inclusive brands, we value and celebrate diversity. We have long been a strong supporter of the LGBT community and have advocated for inclusion and diversity through both our policies and practices.

"We do not condone intolerance or discrimination of any kind anywhere in the world."
"As an Olympic sponsor since 1928, we believe the Olympic Games are a force for good that unite people through a common interest in sports, and we have seen firsthand the positive impact and long-lasting legacy they leave on every community that has been a host."

ACTION: Protests are expected at the Opening Ceremony today 
 

"We support the core values of the Olympic Movement – excellence, friendship and respect – and are proud to continue our role in helping to make the Olympics a memorable experience for athletes, fans and communities all around the world."

"We are engaging with the International Olympic Committee on this important matter."
A spokesperson also said it has a strict HR policy which protects current Coco-Cola employees from any form of discrimination.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reassured the International Olympic Committee and also the world watching the games that LGBT athletes and visitors will be welcomed in Sochi.
But, he also maintains that Western states are seeking to undermine a "traditionally independent" Russia when their record on LGBT equality are challenged.

Many organisations have used today, the day of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony, to show their support for the gay and trans community.
Search engine giant google paid tribute to the Russain equality struggle with a doodle using LGBT colours.