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Enforcement of the law is sufficiently murky that RIA Novosti prefaced its story on Mutko with a warning: This article contains information not suitable for readers younger than 18 years of age, according to Russian legislation.

Mutko emphasized that the law wasn’t designed to punish anyone for being gay or lesbian. Mutko said athletes would be punished only for propaganda, a word that remains ambiguous under the new law.

“The corresponding law doesn’t forbid non-traditional orientation, but other things: propaganda, involvement of minors and the youth.”

The IOC said last week that it had received assurances “from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the games.”

It pledged to ensure there would be no discrimination against athletes, officials, spectators and the media in Sochi.

Practice at past Olympics suggests the majority of gay athletes keep their sexual orientation a secret until they retire. Canadian swimmer Mark Tewksbury won gold in 1992 and came out in 1998; boxer Mark Leduc won silver in 1992 and came out in 1994. One of the few exceptions is featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz, who declared his homosexuality last October and remains a candidate for the Puerto Rican Olympic team.

The IOC said Thursday that it was unmoved by comments from Mutko, which contradict an IOC statement last week that it had “assurances from the highest level of government in Russia” that athletes and spectators would be exempt from the law.