International Olympic Committee Bans Black Lives Matter Apparel, Signs At Tokyo Games
Lausanne, SWITZERLAND – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) upheld its established Rule 50 and said athlete protests and political messages will be banned from fields of play, medal podiums, and the opening and closing ceremonies at the Tokyo games this summer.
The IOC further said the slogan “Black Lives Matter” would could not be worn by athletes at Olympic venues, the Associated Press reported.
However, the committee decided the words “peace,” “respect,” “solidarity,” “inclusion,” and “equality” could be worn on shirts.
The IOC said that a survey it conducted of more than 3,500 athletes showed 70 percent felt that it was “not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views” on the field of play or at the official events, the Associated Press reported.