Gay Norwegian Minister to take husband to Sochi 2014

By Duncan Mackay at the Main Press Centre in Sochi

February 4 - Norwegian Health Minister Bent Høie is set to make a stand against Russia's controversial anti-gay propaganda law by bringing his husband here for the Games.

Høie, 42, plans to travel to the Paralympics, which are due to open on March 7, as Norway's official Government representative with Dag Terje Solvang, who he married after the country legalised same-sex marriages five years ago.

"I cannot wait to watch and support all the Norwegian athletes," Høie told the Aftenblad newspaper.

"These are athletes with disabilities who perform at a very high level.

"It's natural to take Dag Terje along when attending this type of event.

"That said, everyone understands what two men who are married think about gay rights."

The United States is also set to make a point about the anti-gay propaganda law by including three openly gay figures - former tennis player Billie Jean King, two-time Olympic ice hockey medallist Caitlin Cahow, and ex-Olympic skating champion Brian Boitano - to lead its delegation at the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics on Friday (February 7).

Billie Jean King will be a leading member of the United States official delegation at Sochi 2014 ©NBC

Høie may lack the media profile of the American trio but is still set to be a visible presence here.

Norway are a major winter power and set to be in the spotlight on a regular basis at these Games.

Since the start of the Winter Olympics at Chamonix in 1924, the country has won more medals than any other country, a total of 303, including 107.

Oslo is also bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Bård Nylund, leader of the Norwegian LGBT Association (LLH), applauded Høie's decision to take his husband to Sochi but also wants him to use the opportunity to speak out against Russia's law while he is there.