Google Shows Support for Gay Rights as the Olympics Get Underway in Sochi

As the 2014 Winter Olympics get underway in Sochi, Google has updated its homepage in response to Russia’s anti-gay laws and mounting pressure on the International Olympic Committee to formally address discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Google’s updated page sees its logo adorned with the colors of the LGBT pride flag and flanked by athletes skiing, playing hockey, curling, bobsledding, figure skating and snowboarding. Below, it highlights one of the most important aspects of the Olympic Charter:

The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

The new look applies not only to the U.S. homepage, but to a bevy of others across the globe – including the Russian version of Google.com. The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics formally begin today, February 7, and run through February 23.