didn't the country previously announce that gay competitors and athletes wouldn't be exempt from Russia's anti-gay laws or their corresponding punishments? this article doesn't come out and say so, but I remember earlier reports that did. I don't know if I can bring myself to watch the Olympics this time around, but it feels almost stupid to say it; I imagine Russia is far from the only host whose social policies are in direct opposition to mine, and I just hadn't thought of it in past events or didn't follow closely enough. anyone else feeling that way? edit: plus, you'd have a hard time finding a country to host the World Cup that would keep me from watching, so it almost feels insincere to call it a personal boycott for social reasons entirely rather than partly based in casual convenience.Last week, Putin said that gay visitors should feel “at ease” during the Olympics.