Google Doodle Champions Rights Ahead Of Sochi Olympics

Internet giant Google Inc. has seemingly added its voice to a chorus of U.S. companies speaking out against Russian laws that restrict gay-rights activities.

Google updated its search-page logo worldwide on to depict Winter Olympics athletes competing in front of a rainbow-colored backdrop.

It also links to and quotes from the Olympic Charter: "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play."

Google declined to comment on the graphics, saying the illustration speaks for itself.

The action came after three sponsors of the U.S. Olympic Committee -- AT&T, DeVry University, and yogurt maker Chobani -- issued statements speaking out against the Russian laws.

A number of athletes have suggested they plan to speak out against Russia's hazily defined discriminatory law, enacted last year, to ban speech or actions that promote "nontraditional" lifestyles.

Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL