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LGBT Athletes in Sochi

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MaxBerkowitz
Posts: 440 - Karma: 2,611
As you may know already, Russia is incredibly homophobic. Russia recently introduced a law that makes it "illegal to spread information about non-traditional sexual behaviour." Basically, gay pride rallies are banned, publicly stating you are gay to a minor is banned, and if you read between the lines, free speech is banned.

Four Dutch tourists were arrested and jailed after interviewing a gay 17 year old for their film on gay rights issues in Murmansk.

It gets worse.

Vitaly Milonov, one of the lawmakers behind the "Homosexual Propaganda" law has stated that athletes in Sochi will have to abide by these rules. That means any LGBT athletes will not be able to be with their loved one for support during the olympics. If an athlete speaks out about the gay rights atrocities in Russia, they will suffer severe consequences.

Here's where NS comes in. There are multiple athletes competing in the 2014 Olympic Games who regularly read this site. If you're on an olympic team, you can help out. Next time you have an interview on National Television, talk about gay rights in Russia. It's that easy. Spend 5 minutes talking about how disappointed you are with Russia's "Homosexual Propaganda" law. Let the world know what's going on.

NS, rate this up so everyone can see it on the splash page!
Share it to Facebook and Twitter!
If you have a friend who is competing in the Olympics (seems like everyone claims they do) tell them!

Thanks folks.
Jul 30 2013 11:46PM
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coolflash8
Posts: 3171 - Karma: 2,048
op better watch out
Jul 31 2013 10:51AM
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TheGingaNinja
Posts: 14 - Karma: 37
I think Russia has done one of the stupidest things in the history of earth with the ban on homosexuality. I think skiers should boycott the games entirely. I'm not gay, but I have friends that are and it disappoints me that Russia would do something this stupid and Irresponsible.
Jul 31 2013 10:56AM
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itod910
Posts: 68 - Karma: 141
This. And OP isn't saying any of the athletes absolutely have to speak out but they would be doing something great if they did. And even if they don't, this is a great thread because it has made all of us aware of this issue and open discourse, which Russia has outlawed, is the only way that attitudes and eventually laws can change
Jul 31 2013 11:01AM
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Session
Posts: 5379 - Karma: 22,210
I dunno. I don't really care about the politics of the host nation. The Olympics is supposed to be about sport. I don't give a shit if the athlete is gay, and I don't need them to use it as some stage to chest beat about their sexual preference. |I just want to see them do flips and shit.

Jul 31 2013 11:03AM
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P-Fitty
Posts: 829 - Karma: 287
who cares... let russia do what they want...
Jul 31 2013 11:06AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,248
So Russians do believe that gays do not have the "social equivalence" of straight couples. Like the third paragraph says, it is so loosely defined that it will definitely be used as an anti-homosexual law

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Jul 31 2013 11:08AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,248
Well I think there is reason to care, as it could effect athletes. Repost from page one:

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/russian-lawmaker-we-will-arrest-gay-athletes-tourists-olympic-games300713

Russian lawmaker: We will arrest gay athletes, tourists at Olympic Games

"'Gay propaganda' law co-sponsor says he is unconcerned about a US visa ban, saying: 'I've spoken to US politicians, and they support my stance'"

"A Russian lawmaker has said the ‘gay propaganda’ law will remain enforced during the Sochi Winter Olympic Games in 2014.

Vitaly Milonov, co-sponsor of the ‘non-traditional relationships’ bill, said the government cannot decide when to selectively enforce the law.

It comes as the International Olympic Committee said the Russian government had ‘assured’ them all athletes and spectators will be safe from arrest."

This is the guy that's supporting the bill
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Jul 31 2013 11:11AM
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yelsel
Posts: 12967 - Karma: 3,451
Sadly, they do.

If there's a LGBT protest, the cops stand back and let the homophobes beat gay people and then go ahead and arrest the gay people for spreading the gay propaganda.

There's even a group of anti-gay people that have set up craigslist type ads to "lure" in gay people. They then film/photograph the incident wherein they humiliate the gay person and post it on social media. It's really disgusting actually.
Jul 31 2013 11:12AM
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roddy116
Posts: 10630 - Karma: 7,456
I dont see why this is an issue as long as every olympic athlete is guaranteed protection and safety.
Jul 31 2013 11:13AM
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Ace3+4
Posts: 1493 - Karma: 50
I don't think the games should be boycotted yet. What I would love to see is some athlete win a medal and then kiss someone of the same sex in front of a few live cameras. That athlete would probably cause a massive shit storm but would probably have some protection from the IOC and some major major support from the entire world who is watching. They cannot just fine the athlete or put him in prison. This is an international event. The whole world will be watching how Russia reacts to this "infraction"
Jul 31 2013 11:15AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,248
There has yet to be a clear ruling on wether or not they'll be safe, which does make it an issue
Jul 31 2013 11:15AM
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edai
Posts: 4988 - Karma: 4,658
Which they're not so it is an issue. Read the thread.
Jul 31 2013 11:17AM
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404404
Posts: 11358 - Karma: 21,034
Tolerance kills ignorance.

Russia is full of a bunch of ignorant people who rather blindly fall into whatever they are told then think clearly.

Fuck Russia, and good luck to whoever is going. Hope you dont have to see/hear about a fellow Olympian getting tossed into Russian jail.
Jul 31 2013 11:18AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,248
Meanwhile in Russia, Putin takes copious notes while listening to the IOC lecture him on the whole topic

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Jul 31 2013 11:19AM
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itod910
Posts: 68 - Karma: 141
You are wrong for two reasons. One, because it is a human rights issue and should reprehensible to any rational person and secondly Russia has stated they will arrest gay athletes or spectators
Jul 31 2013 11:19AM
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Monsieur_Patate
Posts: 1393 - Karma: 4,304
I understand what you mean. I'm not saying nothing needs to be done, I'm saying having foreigner athletes saying it's wrong from the seat of the press conference room might not be the best way to get the message through. They might go home thinking they're Rosa Parks, but it won't change a thing, expect maybe making things even worse, the message is right, the medium isn't.

We agree on one thing though, when you say "Dialogue and information is the way to go". You are absolutely right, but you seriously think that Tom Wallisch saying in a conference room that Russia is oppressing homosexuals and it's wrong will inform the Russian and make them want to start a dialogue?
This is were I disagree, I think it will only make things worse. I think Human rights NGO working on a daily basis in Russia are the ones able to instigate "Dialogue and information", that's what I meant when I said "from within".

The Russian culture is very different from yours, you need to consider this, you don't handle this issue as you would in America I don't think confrontation or giving them moral lessons will do any good in this particular case, I absolutely don't think doing nothing is the way to go either, all I'm saying is, it would probably make things worse and ruin the whole purpose.
Jul 31 2013 11:19AM
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Session
Posts: 5379 - Karma: 22,210
I would guarantee it's all sensationalism. Considering the source: Gaystarnews.
Jul 31 2013 11:28AM
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Jibberino
Posts: 2089 - Karma: 1,346
How are NGO's suppose to work on a daily basis in Russia if they are essentially outlawed?

I also understand what you mean, and it is a tricky situation, but it also never wrong to speak out against injustice and human rights abuse. Dialogue can also consist of the world letting a country know what they are doing is unacceptable, and in this situation I believe that is both called for and appropriate.

I will turn to a much used quote that illustrates how I view this situation "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". This is so very true for this situation.
Jul 31 2013 11:37AM
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Fairview
Posts: 430 - Karma: 33
I for one am worried about Ian Cosco's safety.
Jul 31 2013 11:37AM
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JAHBRADOR
Posts: 3004 - Karma: 17,071
Ironically, that guy looks super gay IMO.
Jul 31 2013 11:39AM
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SIMPLE.
Posts: 1093 - Karma: 15,191
You guys are the most ignorant assholes for saying this shit, maybe they've brainwashed you or some shit but after this no way I'm watching your shit no more.
Jul 31 2013 11:43AM
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fujarome
Posts: 8630 - Karma: 1,561
the Olympics are supposed to bring people together. That's the entire purpose. That's why even though medals are awarded and there are winners, they celebrate ALL the athletes, fans, and all the participating countries.

LGBT is not a country or anything. You can't ban them from playing. So really, not ensuring their safety means you're alienating them from the games. That effectively defeats the entire purpose of the games, which is to bring everyone together in celebration.

That is why this is an issue pertaining to the Olympics. That's why countries and the IOC can't just pretend like it isn't a problem. Russia can do whatever messed up stuff it wants within Russia. But not with the games.
Jul 31 2013 11:45AM
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Flying_Bear
Posts: 99 - Karma: 117
Having professional athletes talk about this issue will absolutely bring the rightful awareness to this problem. LGBT deserve the right to love and happiness the same as any other citizen. It is sickening that this group of society has been shunned for so long. I hope the problem in Russia improves, and athlete support would be a great way to bring this issue the attention it deserves.
Jul 31 2013 11:48AM
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Kornn101
Posts: 3534 - Karma: 25
just fyi - in the event an olympic host city is unable to host or, more importantly, has their hosting privilege taken away, the previous host city is then tasked with re-hosting. Vancouver would be a great place to have the Olympics again if Russia is deemed unsafe and stripped of their hosting ability, especially with their long standing support of civil liberties regarding gay rights - read up on the vodka boycott that recently started there too.

Jul 31 2013 11:50AM
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ColinB
Posts: 1452 - Karma: 2,236
Better yet, get the athletes to boycott.

If I were an olympic athlete I'd refuse to go as long as my and my fellow athletes' rights were being taken away.

No safety for gay and open minded athletes = no Olympics for Russia
Jul 31 2013 11:50AM
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erny
Posts: 36 - Karma: 22
You Russians are so fucking ignorant/brainwashed that you compare sexuality to choosing to buy alcohol or cigarettes. That, right there, is the problem. You probably still don't even understand why that comparison is wrong.

What about the gay children under 18, (yes, despite how hard your bigoted, poorly educated, fraction of a brain tries to convince you otherwise, THEY EXIST) are they supposed to be subjected to the hateful propaganda your government brainwashes into THEIR head that it is not ok to be who they are? Guess what Ignoramus, they are human beings like yourself (even though you barely deserve that title), and deserve to be treated so.

Read some books
Jul 31 2013 11:54AM
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the.hoffman
Posts: 1372 - Karma: 283
That's a nice thought and all, since this issue is outrageous, but I really don't think any athlete is going to jeopardize their spot at the Olympics. No one will have it in them to follow through with a boycott like that.

Almost every Olympic athlete has spent a great part of their lives working incredibly hard to compete at the Olympics. Don't think they'll let anything take away their spot.

That being said though, bringing up the issue in media and whatnot before the game seems like a good idea.
Jul 31 2013 11:59AM
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Spagett+
Posts: 3499 - Karma: 14,884
[IMG]tomatobubble.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/Putin_Horse.jpg.w300h298.jpg[/IMG]

A topless man of a horse? Nothing straighter than that.
Jul 31 2013 12:08PM
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ColinB
Posts: 1452 - Karma: 2,236
yeah, I definitely get that the idea of getting an Olympic boycott is pretty far fetched. And nobody in their right mind would ask these athletes to give up on their dream.

But one does have to wonder what it'll take to push Russia in the right direction without starting a war.
Jul 31 2013 12:08PM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
At this time, I'd like you to be an informed citizen of humanity and investigate the 1936 Summer games in Berlin and the 1968 Summer games in Mexico City...








Are you through? Yeah, good call,. The Olypmics are NOT a stage anyone should be making any sort of statement about anything other than sports.

Christ, the ignorance in this thread is mind blowing. I respect the OP for making it and bring this conversation to where it needs to be had. While OPs method seems a bit misunderstood, I think a conversation about this needs to be had on some platform, by some athletes. If it stirs the pot, then so be it. Would you rather incompetence boil over while the world watches silently?
Jul 31 2013 12:09PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Yeah I would be extremely sceptical....
Jul 31 2013 12:11PM
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Brule.
Posts: 3921 - Karma: 6,206
IMO I'd rather see Russia get stripped of their hosting privileges because of the fear of being arrested for either supporting LGBTQ rights, or being an LGBTQ. Other surrounding countries don't necessarily have to worry human rights because they most likely have same sex marriage legal there. One of those places being Vancouver, even though they hosted the last winter Olympics back in 2010. Most importantly, I would like to see the United Nations take action towards the law in Russia that is highly against people that support LGBTQ rights or is an LGBTQ.
Jul 31 2013 12:16PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
incase you didn't realize, it's not the Russian government enforcing the LGBT laws that worries people.
It's crazy Neo-nazi's people should be worried about


@Life Steeze Media, you can at least say this is fucked up, right?

Jul 31 2013 12:17PM
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dirtyshithawks
Posts: 64 - Karma: -28
Chechen rebels have been threatening the games for like the past year.
Jul 31 2013 12:17PM
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Turkelton
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 8,558
It's the first ever slope for ski and board and first ever pipe for skiing in the Olympics, but the courses will suck and apparently the lodging and nearly every building there hasn't even been finished. The IOC should move it to Aspen or PC or anything to show that a country that is woefully underprepared with not enough medical facilities and a bad political situation is no place for the olympics, but it won't happen because they were paid off by Russia
Jul 31 2013 12:18PM
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One.2
Posts: 674 - Karma: 3,310
Threads for later
Jul 31 2013 12:21PM
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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
on a side note i think i remember seeing on the news that one of the neighboring countries would fire rockets into russia and where the olympics were being held because russia fucked them over or something. I dont know what came of it but i know it was a close country, so just another reason that russia is a horrible place to have the olympics.
Jul 31 2013 12:27PM
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DsMoK3
Posts: 467 - Karma: 198
Well I guess I won't be watching anymore of life steeze media's videos anymore. Ignorance and intolerance have no place in skiing.
Jul 31 2013 12:44PM
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hugopeckham
Posts: 210 - Karma: 1,040
I think the majority of us can agree to obliterate LifeSteezeMedia's reputation and karma on this site?
Jul 31 2013 12:44PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
And it pains me to say this, but 1936 Munich olympics anyone? The russian gov't is really starting to seem like a bunch of nazi's. I know that word gets thrown around in a lot of ridiculous situations (obama is a nazi, romney is the next hitler, etc.) but i could really see Stalin leading a genocide against gays and those who support gay rights. It might be worst case "what if" scenario, but it could be reality with all the hate rhetoric and gay bashing Russia has been doing.

Which is why the Olympics is the perfect stage to try to prevent something like that from happening again.
Jul 31 2013 12:45PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,980
We don't need to worry about Russia. They can make their own political decisions.. Just because we don't think that they're right doesn't make them wrong. And as for gay athletes "not being accepted?" No. They just say that you can't publicly make a gay sexual act. Nobody wants to see that. Russia has some dignity for the way life should be.
Jul 31 2013 12:49PM
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Session
Posts: 5379 - Karma: 22,210
Do you really think I'm unaware of those events?

This is all some ploy by some ridiculous mid level politician for publicity. Do you really think that Putin is going to let some fuckshow assclown make him look bad?

At the same time, I don't need an athlete to beat their chest about how gay they are. I don't give a shit if they are gay or straight. Go fucking compete.

Jul 31 2013 12:52PM
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WinSt[]NadAMz
Posts: 137 - Karma: 395
I think this is a matter of scale, eventually if enough athletes and enough exposure at the games happens then it will promote change. Russia is a very stubborn and under-exposed country internationally. Half their country lives in poverty, and to be honest, has Russia ever made a good decision in the history of their country? They are clearly behind in the progression of the LGBT movement, and I think a lot of what they are saying is them trying to flex their muscles and sound independent and tough, which is what Russia may think it is. But in reality, countries can longer survive independently, and in this international and global world we live in now the LGBT equality is very important, so you can't also say that we are flexing a western agenda on them. These games should be an opportunity for Russia to be exposed to change and I think it is important that these issues be brought up, but for those who are scared of being arrested or 'killed' it is up to them. However, in the history of any big movement or cultural change there is going to be risks and consequences, and if the LGBT are going to change Russia's view, it's going to take substantial exposure to the point where it becomes mainstream. People will always oppose change, until it no longer seems significant. So lets help those Russian's get their heads out of their own asses, and start letting them feel comfortable putting other things up their.
Jul 31 2013 12:52PM
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Big5hifty
Posts: 3243 - Karma: 1,253
Fuck Russia. The absolute ignorance of the whole situation is astonishing. Allowing gays to be beaten/humiliated/tortured is horrible. Regardless of your views of homosexuality, they are still people and the Russian government is not only allowing people to treat them worse than animals, but their actions seem to encourage it. If I were an athlete I would not go to the games.
Jul 31 2013 12:55PM
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benlokhorst
Posts: 344 - Karma: 234
I just can't get over the fact that there are still people out there who can be so impossibly immature and immoral as to try and justify protesting the human rights of a group. For the Russians to say that imposing gay 'propaganda' is a criminal offense is ridiculous - the government is the one creating this propaganda against human rights. To see that there are people that support these insane beliefs is just sad... If the world allows this sort of thing to happen during the Olympics, what's next? We can't let history repeat itself, as we've learned far too many times, and apparently not well enough...
Jul 31 2013 12:57PM
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J_BISCHOF
Posts: 2082 - Karma: 1,449
http://youtu.be/KiqkclCJsZs
Jul 31 2013 1:06PM
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J_BISCHOF
Posts: 2082 - Karma: 1,449
oops lol. But for real, this is so stupid. Let people be who they are, and who they want to be.
Jul 31 2013 1:07PM
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CKpolicy
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 2,463
You dont want anyone imposing their opinions, but dictating how someone is allowed to express love and sex is cool. ill assume english isnt your first language, so we can let your misuse of the word "propaganda" slide (but i have a sneaking suspicion that it was less an honest mistake and more of you being an asshole).
Jul 31 2013 1:10PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
"A whopping 85 percent said they oppose same-sex marriage, according to the recent Levada-Center survey. Approximately 16 percent said they think gays should be isolated from society, while 22 percent said gays need compulsory treatment, 34 percent think homosexuality is a disease and 5 percent said gays should be eradicated. As for their feelings towards gay and lesbians, 50 percent of respondents said they felt irritated and disgusted."
-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/13/russia-anti-gay_n_2866608.html

Well that's no good.
Jul 31 2013 1:23PM
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nickmcnutt
Posts: 4396 - Karma: 2,966
the fact that this is even a topic of debate blows my mind.

it's 2013.

pretty bold move for Russia to pull this move less than 6 months before hosting the biggest international stage of equality and competitiveness among all nations.

what's next? revoking women's rights? they seem to be taking steps backwards....

after hearing the horrors of Eric Pollards leg injury, and now this, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Olympics got moved back to Vancouver again.

There's a huge difference between being "pro-gay" and just simply being tolerant. you would think in this day and age, they could handle at least tolerating different sexual orientations.

Jul 31 2013 1:25PM
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