In just one week, Senator Lauren Book and the Lauren’s Kids Foundation have gathered over 12,000 signatures from across the United States and the world on a petition demanding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopt strict policies to prevent convicted pedophiles from participating in the Olympic Games. This petition comes in response to the IOC’s decision to allow convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games, a move that has sparked outrage and a call for immediate action.
“Our rapid collection of over 12,000 signatures shows just how critical this issue is to people around the world,” said Senator Book, Founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids. “The IOC has a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of safety and integrity. By banning convicted pedophiles from competition, we send a powerful message that the protection of our children always comes first and cannot be compromised.”
“We have received petition signatures from as far away as the Netherlands, from Dutch citizens who disagree completely with their country’s decision to send a convicted child predator to represent them on the world’s stage,” said Ron Book, Lauren’s Kids Chairman of the Board. “We are delivering each and every signature to the International Olympic Committee to lobby for a swift change in rules to ensure something like this is never allowed to happen again. It’s about sending a strong message that we will not stand for the sexual abuse and exploitation of children – period, the end.”
Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic happening in every single community across the United States and the world, and continues to be one of the most under-reported victim crimes. One in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be victimized before their 18th birthday – and 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online. It is up to individuals and organizations around the world to support victims and survivors, and to hold predators accountable. When a convicted pedophile is allowed to compete, it undermines the integrity of the Games and suggests that athletic excellence can outweigh moral conduct.
“Allowing convicted child abusers to compete in the Olympics is not just a betrayal of trust; it endangers the safety of all children. We must ensure that the Olympic Games remain a place of honor and respect, not a platform for predators,” Senator Book continued.
To learn more and sign the petition demanding the IOC change its rules to prevent convicted rapists from competing in the Olympic Games, visit https://laurenskids.org/
