Carney Won’t Say if Including Gays in U.S. Delegation to Russian Olympics Is a Signal

Carney won’t say if Olympics delegation a signal on LGBT rights (The Washington Blade)

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney refused to say on Wednesday if the composition of the U.S. delegation to the Russian Olympics was meant as a response to the anti-LGBT atmosphere in the country.

In response to a question from NBC News’ Chuck Todd about whether the selection — which includes two out lesbians — was meant as a signal on gay rights, Carney maintained the composition reflects the diversity of the country.

“I think that this delegation represents the diversity that is the United States,” Carney said. “Every member of that delegation is extremely accomplished, either in government service, or in civic activism, or, most especially, in sports. So, [President Obama] is very proud of the delegation and the diversity it represents, and he looks forward, as every American does, to the competition and the effort that American athletes will demonstrate when they compete in Sochi.”