In the final days ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Russia -- the fireworks dress rehearsal went off without a hitch.
The bright lights, elaborate torch passing, and folkloric song and dance aside, one thing the Games haven't been able to shake off is host country Russia's ban on "homosexual propaganda."
It's created somewhat of a murky situation for athletes who want to speak their mind on the issue.
Last week the International Olympic Committee said that athlete's may be punished for speaking against Russia's anti-gay law on the podium, but could do so in private news conferences.
Executive Director of gay rights group "Athlete Ally" Hudson Taylor applauds their decision nonetheless.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER WRESTLER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GAY RIGHTS MOVEMENT "ATHLETE ALLY" HUDSON TAYLOR SAYING:
"That being said having the president of the IOC say that athletes can say what they want interviews. I think that is an enormous stamp of approv
