Tokyo Olympics Is Banning Athletes From Donning ‘Black Lives Matter’ Apparel
Image via lazyllama / Shutterstock.com
Athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics will not be allowed to wear Black Lives Matter apparel. This ruling comes as part of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) long-standing ban on “demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda.”
Olympic athletes will be barred from donning any Black Lives Matter apparel on the podium, playing field, or during official ceremonies. However, slogans may be allowed during press conferences, interviews, and team meetings.
According to Revolt, the IOC has yet to publicly state the punishment athletes could face for violating this ruling. It’s said that each breach will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Plus, the IOC has claimed that a majority of athletes don’t think it’s appropriate to protest at the competition.
“A very clear majority of athletes said they think it’s not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, at the official ceremonies, or at the podium,” said IOC Athletes’ Commission Chief Kirsty Coventry.
However, some groups have come out in support of athletes who choose to protest despite the ruling.
“Any athlete sanctioned at the Tokyo Olympics will have the full backing of the World Players,” promised Brendan Schwab, Executive Director of The World Players Association Union, as per Revolt.
[via Revolt, cover image via lazyllama / Shutterstock.com]
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