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Dutch brass band may play ‘YMCA’ at Sochi Olympics speed skating to signal support for gays

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FILE - This is Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 a file photo of the Dutch brass band Kleintje Pils, or Small Beer, entertains the crowd prior to the start of the men\'s 1000 meters race at the Richmond Olympic Oval at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Dutch brass band that is a mainstay at Olympic speed skating ovals is considering playing popular gay songs at the Sochi Winter Olympics in support for homosexual rights. Band leader Ruud Bakker told the Associated Press on Tuesday Jan. 21, 2014 that Kleintje Pils could mix Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” in its sing-along repertoire as “a signal” but added that the band didn’t want to antagonize organizers nor turn its performances into a “political game.” (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer, File)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – A Dutch brass band that has for years amused crowds at Olympic speed skating ovals says it may play songs like the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” at the Sochi Winter Olympics as a signal of its support for gay rights.

It remains to be seen how Russian authorities would react should the band, Kleintje Pils, play a song widely considered to be a gay anthem.

A ban on propaganda about “nontraditional sexual relations” signed into law by Russian President Vladimir Putin has provoked widespread international outrage from critics who believe it discriminates against gays.

Band leader Ruud Bakker said Tuesday they could play “Y.M.C.A.” as “a signal” but added that the band doesn’t want to turn its performances into a “political game.”

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