CHARITIES Athlete Ally and All Out are searching for a high profile, international designer to create an anti-homophobia motif for Olympians to wear during Russia's Winter 2014 Olympics. The move challenges Russia's new laws against "gay propaganda", which were introduced in June and make it illegal to equate gay and heterosexual relationships, or to distribute information about gay rights.

Both Lady Gaga and Stephen Fry have spoken out again the country's controversial laws this week, as Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympics next year. The design that the Olympians will wear during the forthcoming games should "powerfully reject the anti-gay propaganda law in solidarity with Russian groups demanding equal rights", said All Out co-founder and executive director Andre Banks.

"One of the most effective things we can do at the games is to amass a global army of athlete allies who demonstrate their support for the LGBT citizens of Russia and LGBT athletes around the world," said Brian Ellner, Athlete Ally Board Member and LGBT Rights strategist. "We look forward to partnering on the development of that symbol."