From ESPN:
President Barack Obama sent Russia a clear message about its treatment of gays and lesbians with who he is – and isn’t – sending to represent the United States at the Sochi Olympics.
Billie Jean King will be one of two openly gay athletes in the U.S. delegation for the opening and closing
ceremonies, Obama announced Tuesday. For the first time since 2000,
however, the U.S. will not send a president, former president, first
lady or vice president to the Games.
Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning “gay propaganda.” Though the White House
did not specifically address the Russian laws in making its
announcement, spokesman Shin Inouye said the delegation “represents the
diversity that is the United States” and that Obama “knows they will
showcase to the world the best of America – diversity, determination and
teamwork...”
Also skipping the Sochi Games are the presidents of France and Germany. Even though the Obama administration has not specifically cited Russia's human rights violations, his French and German counterparts have been quite clear.
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