IOC wants assurances from Russia on anti-gay law

MOSCOW (AP) — The International Olympic Committee is waiting for the Russian government to clarify the anti-gay law that is overshadowing preparations for the Sochi Games.

The law, signed by President Vladimir Putin in June, bans "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" and imposes fines on those holding gay pride rallies. It has caused an international outcry and spawned calls for protests leading to the Feb. 7-23 Winter Olympics in the Black Sea resort.

IOC President Jacques Rogge said today the Russian government provided written assurances about the law Thursday but some elements remain unclear.

"We are waiting for the clarifications before having the final judgment on these reassurances," Rogge said, a day before the start of the track and field world championships in Moscow.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko insisted Thursday that Olympic athletes would have to respect the laws of the country during the Sochi Games. Today, he said there was no way Russia would yield to political pressure.