WASHINGTON, August 8 – Actor George Takei, better known as Lt. Sulu from the “Star Trek” television and movie series, has joined the chorus of celebrities denouncing Russia’s new legislation on homosexuality and called this week for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics to be moved elsewhere.
In a message posted on the website for a stage production in which he currently stars, Takei, who has a wide following on the internet, expressed concern that the new Russian law prohibiting the promotion among minors of “non-traditional sexual relations” could jeopardize the safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) athletes competing in Sochi.
“Many believe that such a call to move the Olympics out of Russia goes too far. Would this be their opinion if the law instead called for the arrest of any Jews, Roman Catholics or Muslims should they display any sign of their religion, such as a wearing a yamaka (sic) or praying while facing Mecca?” Takei wrote.
“Discrimination in any form is a blight upon the Winter Games, and it must not be tolerated.”
A senior Russian official on Wednesday fired back at critics of the new legislation, pointing out that it was designed with the protection of children in mind. Other Russian officials have given assurances that no one would be singled out under the law for their sexual orientation, provided they were not seeking to persuade minors of its virtues.
Takei concluded his message by promoting a petition calling for the Olympics to be moved to Vancouver, which hosted the event in 2010.
Best known for playing the role of Hikaru Sulu on the original “Star Trek” television show, Takei married his partner Brad Altman in a Buddhist ceremony in Los Angeles in 2008, according to media reports.
