Billie Jean King extends support to gay Russians, says 'they're not alone'

American tennis legend Billie Jean King has offered her support to gay Russians, many of whom have fled the country after a law enacted earlier this year banning gay 'propaganda', saying that they are 'not alone'.

Russia's hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi has been surrounded by controversy in large measure because of the controversial law, which has been widely protested by gay and human rights groups worldwide.

According to CNN, King, who is also gay and has been named by US President Barack Obama to the American delegation at the Olympics, said that rather than boycott the Winter Olympics in Russia over gay issues, athletes and representatives should engage in civil disobedience and show their feelings in a non-malicious manner.

King further said that it is more important for protestors to go to Russia and get involved and committed in trying to help change and let the gay and lesbian community of the country know that they are not alone.

The report mentioned that Obama himself would not attend the Games, which is the first time in more than a decade that the President, Vice President, First Lady or former president has not attended an Olympic opening or closing ceremony.