Olympic Committee Institutes “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy In Doubles Luge

Story by Erik Mellgren 

| Published Feb 23, 2010

Gay activist sports fans from across the globe have descended on the Vancouver Olympic Games to protest the new policy adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC issued a press release before the start of the games last week stating that a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy would be implemented for participants in the sport of doubles luge, effective immediately. The policy, similar to the one currently employed by the United States military, states that no participants who are openly gay or lesbian may compete in the games.

“I think it’s good for the sport,” said German luge legend, Georg Hackl. “You cannot comfortably perform on the international stage if you know the man straddling your genitals in a skin-tight body suit is homosexual. It completely destroys the morale of the team.”

The president of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, said the new policy should not be viewed as discriminatory or bigoted. “The sport draws more ire than men’s figure skating for its athletes being gay,” said Rogge. “We just want everyone to feel comfortable with the sport.”

The luging community has been torn by the new policy. While some have come out in support of the policy, others have resisted the change. “I just don’t think you can convince most people that doubles luge is the manliest of sports. I mean as a luger, gay or not, you’re still traveling at 90 miles per hour with a dude balanced on your nuts,” said Brian Martin of the American men’s doubles luge team.

“Homosexual men and women should have the right to slide for their country, just like any other person. This new policy goes completely against what the Olympics stand for,” said Olympic activist Brian Boitano. “Have you ever watched men’s figure skating? Homosexuality and the Winter Games go hand in hand.”

The controversy surrounding this new policy is helping to make luge one of the most talked about sports this year at the Olympics. While the policy appears to be set in place for the remainder of the Vancouver games, it is going to be hotly debated in the years leading up to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.