Stephen Fry’s blunt response to the acts of political discrimination in Russia are understandable and legitimate. His standpoint on the gay and lesbian discrimination is in no way an overreaction as it is completely fitting with the degree of the current situation. The comparison he drew to the holocaust shows Fry’s level of insight to where the Russian government is headed with the laws they have implemented. It is absolutely essential that the IOC take early action, and in the best case scenario boycott the Olympic Games. What happens when international athletes are discriminated against and abused, forcing them not to compete. That would be a world-wide outrage.

The current political situation in Russia has really resonated with me as I am an athlete who aspires to reach the Olympics one day. Growing up the the forward-minded Canadian society I am very accepting and open to homosexuality. Just the idea that people feel completely opposite to me I find upsetting and alien. I have always seen the Olympics as a joyful inclusive period of time where national pride is promoted and equality is expected. Gay athletes should not feel unsafe in the hosting Country as it is the Countries responsibility to make athletes feel welcome and appreciated. Fry’s open comparison to the holocaust made me uneasy as it really highlighted the prospect of history repeating it self. It would be tragic if even the slightest degree of Hitler’s regime was repeated. The IOC needs to take action for the safety of athletes and spectators alike to make the games the best they can be.