So, World Masters Championships for 2015 are now scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia. I, for one, am appalled at yet another event being held in a country with legislated homophobia. Isn't it bad enough that the IOC has allowed this travesty?
In my opinion, USMS needs to take a stand about this and ensure that ALL USMS members can attend events safely, with their families, and without fear of persecution or prosecution. Russia is not a safe place for our LGBT members and allies to do so.
Thoughts?
First of all, this thread should not be in the swimming-related section. It is a politically and socially charged topic that only tends to create heated rhetoric.
That all being said, read the mission statement of USMS. It is a fitness and education organization, not a political front. It would be a huge mistake for USMS to take an official stand on the decision of FINA, no matter how reprehensible it may seem (and FINA has made some stinkers).
If you have a personal issue with the location, or your political action group has some issue, feel free to write a letter to FINA and complain. What makes you think that USMS should take a stand at all on your behalf, or for that matter, for any group other than USMS?
Allen has it right, if you don't like it, don't go. Leave USMS out of it. It had no say in the decision, it has no sway to get FINA to do, cancel or change anything. Actually, no one does.
First of all, this thread should not be in the swimming-related section. It is a politically and socially charged topic that only tends to create heated rhetoric.
That all being said, read the mission statement of USMS. It is a fitness and education organization, not a political front. It would be a huge mistake for USMS to take an official stand on the decision of FINA, no matter how reprehensible it may seem (and FINA has made some stinkers).
If you have a personal issue with the location, or your political action group has some issue, feel free to write a letter to FINA and complain. What makes you think that USMS should take a stand at all on your behalf, or for that matter, for any group other than USMS?
Allen has it right, if you don't like it, don't go. Leave USMS out of it. It had no say in the decision, it has no sway to get FINA to do, cancel or change anything. Actually, no one does.
