Google Takes Aim At Russia With Rainbow Olympics Doodle

Google.com is featuring a rainbow-colored Olympics “Doodle” to take aim at Russia’s anti “gay propaganda” policies, just a day before the Sochi Olympics opening ceremonies.

The Doodle is also appearing on Google.ru. Below the search box is a quote from the Olympic Charter:

“The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.” –Olympic Charter

Clicking the logo brings you to the Google search results for “Olympic Charter,” the rules and guidelines that govern the Olympics.

Did you know?: A Gaygler is Google’s term for an LGBT Google employee

Learn more about the LGBT rights movement in Russia and around the world. Sign up for early access to Equaldex.

Eight States Have Laws Banning Promotion of LGBTQ Topics, Similar to Russia’s Ban on Gay Propaganda

GLSEN published three interactive maps showing discrimination laws in the United States, which the Washington Post compares to Russia’s anti homosexual propaganda policies in some regard.

Eight states limit speech about homosexuality in ways similar to, though not as far-reaching as, the Russian ban that has received international criticism ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The Trevor Project explains that these laws “ban educators from talking about LGBTQ people, issues or history” and points out that they may prevent LGBTQ people from being in a safe environment.

Learn more about LGBT laws around the world. Sign up for early access to Equaldex.