Team Canada invitees on Russia’s anti-gay law

Sidney Crosby, Dan Boyle and Braden Holtby are among the NHL players invited to Olympic orientation camp who don’t agree with Russia’s new anti-gay laws.

The legislation, passed in June, bans “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” and imposes fines on those holding gay pride rallies.

The move ignited a debate over how gay athletes and their friends and families will be treated in Sochi at the Winter Games in February.

“It’s hard to go into a country that supports something like that,” Holtby said upon arrival in Calgary.

But the Washington Capitals goalie from Lloydminster, Sask., believes athletes can do more to protest homophobic attitudes in that country by going to the Games than staying away.

“I don’t think that would do any good,” he said of a boycott. “I think it would cause more problems than it would solve.

“But I think it’s an opportunity for athletes to get together and support a cause that I think a lot of us really have a passion for. And I think we can do lot of good for it.

About 10 of the 47 hockey players invited to camp have publicly endorsed the “You Can Play” campaign that aims to eliminate homophobia from sport.

Crosby was less militant that Holtby, saying he personally doesn’t agree with Russia’s anti-gay stance “but that being said, everyone kind of has different views.”

Added Boyle, a two-time Olympian: “On Russia’s stance, I don’t agree with it. I just don’t agree. I think, gay or not, that shouldn’t change anything. Not a big fan of that.”

Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson says his organization’s position on the issue is aligned with the Canadian Olympic Committee’s.

The COC has made a point in recent weeks to trumpet its support of athletes participating in Pride events across Canada.

Former Olympians Katie Weatherston, Bill Meyer, Scott Cranham and Patrick Biggs marched in Ottawa’s Pride Parade on Sunday.

“The players certainly have the right to speak out as they feel,” Nicholson said. “We’ve been in constant communication with the Canadian Olympic Committee and totally support that stands they’re making.

“We’ve seen some of our women’s players such as Hayley Wickenheiser speak out. We just want to make sure we stay aligned with the Canadian Olympic Committee and make sure our players feel comfortable.”