International Olympic Committee state that 2014 Winter Olympics will be “without discrimination.”

Liberal Democrat Euro MP Phil Bennion has received assurances from the International Olympic Committee that the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics must be open to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation.

Following concerns from constituents, Phil Bennion wrote to Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, over the new Russian law prohibiting information which “promotes non-traditional sexual relations” to minors.

In a letter of reply, the IOC says that the Games must be open not just to competitors, but also for spectators, officials, the media and anyone else connected to the Games. The response from the IOC goes on to say that the organisation had received a number of assurances from the highest government level in Russia that the law will not affect people attending or taking part in the Games.

West Midlands region MEP Bennion said: “The new laws in Russia are worrying and depressing. I believe it is wrong to discriminate against people because of their sexuality.” The MEP, who earlier this year spoke out in the European Commission to express concerns about gay rights in Iran, added, “I am pleased that the IOC is taking this matter seriously. I have also written to the Russian Ambassador in London to raise my concerns and to ensure that those attending the Winter Olympics are free from discrimination.”

The new law in Russia has provoked harsh international criticism ahead of the Games, including from the comedian Stephen Fry. The legislation, introduced in June, prohibits LGBT ‘propaganda’ in material made available to children. Since its introduction Russia has experienced an upsurge in homophobic vigilante attacks