DeCock: Fear of Russia’s anti-gay laws keeps parents from seeing son compete

[theHandpuppet]

DeCock: Fear of Russia’s anti-gay laws keeps parents from seeing son compete
By Luke DeCock - staff columnist
September 8, 2014

Watching on his computer screen from thousands of miles away, Jerry Windle saw his son Jordan follow the U.S. flag into the opening ceremonies for the World Junior Diving Championships on Monday. He could see Jordan smile, a message he knew was meant for him, that everything was OK, even though he wasn’t there.

It was as heartbreaking as it was comforting, because if it was anywhere but Penzi, Russia, Jerry Windle would be there. Instead, this modern family of two gay dads and adopted son will be apart during one of the most important weeks of Jordan’s life, out of fear of Russia’s anti-gay laws...

...When Jordan was 9, Jerry met Andres Rodriguez, who has been his partner for the past six years. The two plan to be legally married when it is legal in North Carolina.

In just about any other country, this is an inspiring story of love and family. In Russia, it’s potentially a crime. The mere presence of a competitor with two dads could possibly be considered a violation of the strict law prohibiting “gay propaganda” that Russia passed ahead of the Sochi Olympics....

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/09/08/4134326/decock-fear-of-russias-anti-gay.html#storylink=cpy

[MNBrewer]

1. I wouldn't go to Russia

any more than I would go to Saudi Arabia, Gambia or Iran.