IOC chief Bach receives Russian ‘assurances’ over gays ahead of Sochi Games

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Newly elected International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach delivers a speech during the ceremony for the lighting of the Olympic flame in Ancient Olympia, west southern Greece on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. Using the sun\'s rays at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics, organizers carried out a successful ceremony to light the flame for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics Feb. 7-23, 2014 in Russia. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece – The new president of the International Olympic Committee says he has received assurances from senior Russian officials and games organizers that an ongoing controversy over the country’s treatment of gays will not affect athletes at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Russia has come under international criticism from human rights and gay groups after passing legislation outlawing the promotion of homosexuality. Advocates claim the law is aimed at protecting minors while critics say it will hurt freedom of expression.

Bach said Sunday that he again raised the issue with Sochi organizers while attending the Olympic flame lighting ceremony at Ancient Olympia in southern Greece.

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