To think Clare Balding is just doing her job?

[louloutheshamed]

Twitter trolls are
Accusing wor Clare of selling out by covering the winter Olympics despite Russia's poor record on gay rights.

Aibu to think she is perfectly entitled to do her job, especially as she does it so brilliantly?

[ComposHat]

Cheers, you too!

[Debs75]

I think she is a brilliant woman who is great at her job. She did the summer and para Olympic coverage and was great to watch. If she wasn't doing the winter ones I would see it as a big blow. She isn't afraid of Puny Putin and is proud to stand up for her rights and do her job.

[fortyplus]

Why should Clare boycott the games any more than anyone else from a British tv station? I don't care about her sexuality one way or the other - she does a great job and should be there sending the message to Russia that people's private lives are their own business - it's what they do in public that counts. If anything it's great that an openly gay person is being seen to be competent, popular etc and loved by her public whether gay or straight.

[letsgotostonehenge]

can i just say I like the word 'beholden'

[Bowlersarm]

She is just excellent, and can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.

[lljkk]

She loves sport & she loves her job. It's her decision. She doesn't have to make her every move a political statement. (I don't even like CB, but I don't see why her sexuality has to be relevant to her job decisions).

Did anyone hear discussion last night on ... Radio 5? Someone asked what is the difference between the Russian law and Section 28 that Maggie T. brought in. Can anyone comment, what IS the difference other than 30 yrs?

[lemonmuffin]

Of course she is.

she is doing a great job.

[mistermakersgloopyglue]

God, I had totally forgotten she was gay! I agree with everyone else, what a great way to stick two fingers up to Putin and the rife homophobia over there.

[LittleBonnie]

Luffs her too!!

Clare being the BBC face of the games shows the world that BBC and the people of Britain have great presenters regardless of sexuality.

She has totally risen above the controversy and shows great class and professionalism.

[muffinino82]

What she is DOING is EXACTLY what makes the Russian stance so pathetic. Getting on with HER JOB regardless of other people's prejudice, because their prejudice is simply NOT RELEVANT.

This, exactly. I disagree with boycotting and think it's far better that Balding and her American counterparts such as Brian Boitano and Johnny Weir go to Sochi to demonstrate that their sexuality makes no odds as to how well they do their job. Refusing to attend is lending credence to Russia's stance, whereas attending regardless is brave imo.

[ComposHat]

I reckon the bbc commentary team should all wear rainbow colours on their shirts

Yes and Des Lynam should snog Steve Ryder's face off to the strains of Diana Ross's' I'm coming out'

[Minnieisthedevilmouse]

Bollox

Go Clare. Best to be there and visible than home and shouting.

She ain't straight is she wherever she is? It's called professionalism.

[NinjaKangaroo]

I come from Sochi (althoigh I don't live in Russia now) am glad that she's come. It shows that despite the Russian homophobia etc; that it is stupid and irrelevant and that she won't allow it to affect her going about her life.

[FrankelInFoal]

I take it you've all seen Channel 4's logo rebrand?

Courtesy of Claire's Twitter feed

[Rooners]

What's with all the 'luff' stuff? Are people a bit worried about saying love these days?

[prh47bridge]

what is the difference between the Russian law and Section 28

Section 28 prevented LAs promoting homosexuality and schools teaching it as an acceptable "pretended family relationship". Russian law prevents anyone distributing information to minors promoting homosexuality. So Russian law is more widespread in its application. Section 28 did not prevent gay groups distributing literature to or running events for young people. Russian law does prevent such activities.

Both are wrong.

[Alexchallex]

Good for her. Who are we to tell her what or what not to do just because of her sexuality. Hi Claire I have decided that because of their beliefs, you cannot work or visit the following countries....

[BeckAndCall]

And good on Channel Four for the rainbow rebrand! Thanks for the link, frankie

[Sadoldbag]

I think she is just doing her job


However I would have liked to see some rainbow earrings or nails or something just to show them there twats

[ComposHat]

rooners luffs is the ltest knowingly twee affectation to hit these boards. Joining 'school night' 'besties' & 'sleeps' in the lexicon of mimsy shite.

[Sadoldbag]

poster prh47bridge. lots Russia has also band any international adoption between any country which allows gay marriage or civil partnerships which is pretty much every western country Putin would even allow the adoptions that were already in the pipeline to go ahead before when the ban came in place

Don't effect the uk that much because we have good domestic adoption however he has very much damaged relations with Denmark and Sweden who had a few hundred adoption sighned off and were the children literarily had bags backed waiting to travel

Also we may not promote in schools the uk unlike Russia dose not sanction people hunting gays for fun like some type of sport

[perplexedpirate]

Before we all cheer Channel 4, can I point out that they've cut a same-sex kiss from versions of the Gay Mountain video, which strikes me as extremely hypocritical. I've tweeted them asking why but no response.

Claire Balding is great though!

[Joysmum]

Wow, I'd forgotten all about Section 28. How quickly, I, and others in this country, forget

[Rooners]

Thanks Compos