Obama picks gay athletes for delegation to Sochi Olympics, sending signal on gay rights

Associated Press wrote:"President Barack Obama sent Russia a clear message about its treatment of gays and lesbians with his choices to represent the United States at the Sochi Olympics.

Tennis great Billie Jean King will be one of two openly gay athletes in the U.S. delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies that Obama announced Tuesday. For the first time since 2000, however, the U.S. will not send a president, former president, first lady or vice president to the Games.

Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning "gay propaganda." Though the White House did not specifically address the Russian laws in making its announcement, spokesman Shin Inouye said the delegation "represents the diversity that is the United States" and that Obama "knows they will showcase to the world the best of America — diversity, determination and teamwork."

The White House said Obama's schedule will not permit him to attend the Games."