NZOC backs down over freedom of speech for athletes

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has backed down over plans to stop its athletes making political statements at this year's Beijing Games following government intervention.

The NZOC is amending its standard contract for the Games after the government expressed concern about a clause gagging athletes from making religious or political statements while in China.

The NZOC came under pressure to change after Clayton Cosgrove, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, told parliament he had concerns over the clause.

Green Party foreign affairs spokesman Keith Locke also expressed his reservations on the issue.

"One major reason for the Olympics being awarded to Beijing was to shine a light on the human rights situation and thus help advance the principles of freedom so central to the Olympic movement," Locke said.

"By trying to muzzle our athletes, the New Zealand Olympic Committee was letting down those around the world who are trying to use the Olympics to help improve China's human rights."