Looking back on the 2010 Olympics, there was a lot for us to be proud of, like our haul of gold and our remarkably smooth running of the Games. But now, one other thing stands out in hindsight.
Among the dozens of international pavilions set up for athletes, fans and everyone
else taking in the sports performances and the general atmosphere of excellence was a happy addition - Pride House.
This was the first time the Olympic Games included a special place to welcome and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
The tradition was carried on in London for the 2012 Summer Games, but sadly no such place will exist in Sochi, Russia, when the torch is lit in less than six months.
Instead, Russian President Vladimir Putin has just signed into law new "anti-propaganda" regulations that will allow police to arrest and detain for up to 15 days anyone they suspect of being gay, lesbian or pro-gay.
That includes foreign athletes, media and visitors.
This type of homophobic thinking belongs in a century that is rapidly disappearing in our rearview mirror. It certainly doesn't belong in the Olympics, the most visible symbol the world has of international openness and friendship.
If, as the cynics say, the Games are really about politics, let's see some political action to correct this anomaly.
It is incumbent on our federal government, the International Olympic Committee and their well-heeled sponsors to put pressure on Russia to let them know this isn't becoming of a host nation.
Nor is it an acceptable position in any civilized society.
