Should the Olympics be moved out of Russia? (Open version)

I will now make my opening arguments. Contention 1: The Olympics is an honour that Russia should not have. The Olympics is, by all accounts, an honour. To host one of the biggest sporting championships in the world, played by only the best of the best, televised worldwide, and to have that to a nation's name; this is an honour. However, it is also an honour that Russia doesn't deserve. Russia has introduced an "anti-gay propaganda" law that is taking a heavy crackdown on LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) humans. The reasoning is based on the fact that it undermines "traditional family values". These laws are generally accepted outside of Russian politics as a cover up. Instead, these laws are regarded as an effort to subdue Russian pro-gay movements. [1] The activities taken against violence towards the gay community by the Russian police is close to nothing, too. Despite the Russian President Putin's statements that this is not discriminating against gays, there can be no doubt that LGBTs are being discriminated against. For example, a Russian television anchor was immediately fired after announcing that he was gay. [1] Or a freelance journalist who was forced to quit his job after people found out he was gay. [1] This discrimination is considered a violation of human rights[2], and, thus, no country that sits back and does almost nothing as its people have their human rights broken should have an honour as high as the Winter Olympics bestowed upon them. Contention 2: The athletes' safety cannot be assured. Russia and the IOC (international Olympic committee) have both announced that the safety of the athletes are paramount[3] - however recent videos, pictures, and news pieces about the (often violent) discrimination against LGBTs have thousands concerned about the effectiveness of these laws. [3] These concerns come in from two main reasons: a) Russian authorities have been shown to not intervene with violence against LGBTs[1] and thus cannot be trusted at Sochi and b) the Winter Olympics will, naturally, bring thousands together, but with 35% of Russia believing that "homosexuality is a disease"[1], it is possible that a big enough force could assemble and pose a serious risk to known LGBT athletes and visitors. This is only potential, but with safety in numbers coming into play[4] at such a people gathering event; many could "lose it". Contention 3: The law itself is too open ended. In this new "anti-gay propaganda" law, the word "propaganda" isn't defined; this allows anything as simple as holding hands becoming a criminal prosecution. While in itself this might seem to be "just another law we need to respect"; upon scrutiny one can easily see the potential implications of this. Something as simple as holding hand [with your partner] will be a common practice for gay people with partners, and, despite the laws and media, it may well be forgotten; particularly with the heat and stress of the games. Thus, athletes may be at risk for, subconsciously uncontrollable [at times] acts. A law as open ended as this cannot be allowed to be enforced in times of immense focus, distraction [from foreign laws], competitiveness, and (at times) stress such as during the Olympic games. However, this is exactly what Russia is doing. [5] I conclude that, for the sake of the athletes' humility, status, and safety, we should move the 2014 Olympic games out of Russia. I await my opponent's response. Sources: [1] . http://www.nytimes.com... [2]. http://www.amnestyusa.org... [3]. http://www.cbsnews.com... [4]. http://en.wikipedia.org... [5]. http://www.gaystarnews.com...