White House says US team for Sochi games not snub to Russia's anti-gay laws

The White House has said the US team, including two lesbians, visiting the Sochi Olympics is not a snub to Russia's anti-gay laws.

For the first time since 1988, no president, vice president or First Lady from the United States is visiting Russia for the games.

Jay Carney said that President Barack Obama was not trying to send a message about Russia's anti-gay laws when he named the Olympic delegation.

According to Politico, the delegation was largely viewed as a snub of Russia and its President Vladimir Putin, with whom Obama has been at odds on a range of issues.

Carney said the delegation, headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and including tennis star Billie Jean King, former figure skater Brian Boitano and ice hockey medalist Caitlin Cahow, "represents the diversity of the United States," the report said.