Crapo, Risch, Lankford Call Out Olympic Committee for Mocking Christian Faith

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach following the vulgar depiction of the Last Supper that took place during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“We write in response to the vulgar mockery of the Christian faith on display at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The Games should unite people of every country, race, and creed. There is no place for anti-Christian bigotry at an event designed to bring the world together. The Games should celebrate the athletes, not denigrate anyone’s faith. We urge you to take immediate action by amending Rule 55 of the Olympic Charter to ensure that no faiths are the subject of mockery as part of the opening or closing ceremonies ever again,” wrote the Members.

“The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should formally condemn the mockery that occurred in Paris of one of the most sacred moments of the Christian faith. Then, the IOC should make formal changes to ensure this kind of divisive display is not repeated to ensure that Coubertin’s vision for the Games may continue to thrive. Every person, from every nation and every faith, should be encouraged to enjoy the Olympics without being belittled or mocked. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the Members continued.

Senators Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) and Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) also signed the letter.

Read the full letter here.

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