Gay awards axe Coca-Cola nomination over Sochi
By Nick Levine
A leading UK gay awards ceremony has removed Coca-Cola from its nominations shortlist over the company’s sponsorship of next month’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
The Out in the City and G3 Magazine Awards had recognised Coca-Cola in its ‘Brand’ category alongside the likes of YouTube, Google and British Airways, but has now withdrawn the nomination in protest.
Sarah Garrett, managing director of the company behind the awards, said in a statement: “It is bitterly disappointing that Coca-Cola has not listened to the collective voice of the global gay community who are horrified by the Putin government’s anti-gay and repressive policies.
“Brands like Coke should be making a stand against the demonisation of gay people by withdrawing sponsorship for the Winter Olympics. Refusing to do so is a slap in the face to the international gay community.”
In June 2013, Russia passed laws banning the promotion of “non-traditional sexual relations”, and there has been an increasingly hostile atmosphere towards the country’s LGBT community.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said gays visiting Russia for next month’s Sochi Olympics have nothing to worry about – provided they “leave children in peace”.
The Sochi Olympics begin on February 7 and run until February 23. US President Barack Obama is aiming to showcase “diversity” at the games by sending an Olympic delegation including several openly gay sports stars – among them, six-times Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King.
This year’s Out in the City and G3 Magazine Awards will take place in central London on April 25, hosted by actors Charlie Condou and Sophie Ward.