Gus Kenworthy: “I can’t keep my mouth shut,” on China’s human rights record
be responsible” if they are considering speaking out on political issues whilst in the country.One athlete who appears to be uncowed by the warning is Gus Kenworthy.
The out athlete, who is competing for Great Britain in the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe, has been speaking to several British press outlets this week in the run-up to the games.“I’m probably a dumb ass for doing it but I can’t keep my mouth shut,” he told Sportsmail. “I don’t think that China should be allowed to host.
I don’t think that any nation should be allowed to host the Olympics, this gathering point of the world, with everyone in the world fixated on you and pouring in money and attention, if you have atrocious human rights stances.”Related: Gus Kenworthy confirms he’s “taken”, talks more about why he switched to Team GBChina has faced multiple criticisms from human rights groups over the way its authoritarian regime treats citizens.
This includes the persecution of Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region. It’s also cracking down on opposition in Hong Kong.Although gay sex is legal, China does not recognize same-sex relationships.
