Activists protest Russian anti-gay law ahead of Olympic flame handover ceremony

by  Associated Press Athens activists protest at Sochi flame's passage Associated Press - 5 October 2013 08:48-04:00

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A few dozen activists peacefully protested against Russia's law banning gay propaganda as the Olympic flame made its way through central Athens on Saturday ahead of its handover to the organizers of next year's Winter Games in Sochi.

The activists sat on the steps of the Acropolis Museum, with some holding rainbow flags, while others held a banner reading "Homophobia is not in the Olympic Spirit" and "Love is not Propaganda."

Police presence was light and there were no incidents.

The official handover ceremony will take place later Saturday.

The 22nd Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place Feb. 7-23 in Sochi. Some 2,800 athletes from more than 80 countries are due to compete.

News Topics: Sports, 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, Protests and demonstrations, Winter Olympic games, Political activism, Olympic games, Events, Political and civil unrest, General news, Political issues, Government and politics

People, Places and Companies: Athens, Sochi, Greece, Western Europe, Europe, Russia, Eastern Europe

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