By BBC

The U.S. is sending two openly gay sports stars to the Winter Olympics in Sochi as part of its official delegation.

The move is being seen as a challenge to new laws in Russia which ban “propaganda” about homosexuality.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King and ice hockey player Caitlin Cahow will represent the US at the opening and closing ceremonies and other events.

President Obama, who is not going, said the delegation “represents the diversity” of the U.S.

Activists have urged world leaders to boycott the Sochi Games over human rights concerns, despite assurances by Russia President Vladimir Putin that gay athletes will not be discriminated against.

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