Britain’s biggest sports are backing a new government campaign to stamp out homophobia and transphobia in sport.
The Football Association, the Lawn Tennis Association, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union have joined the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) in becoming the first signatories of the Charter for Action, which aims to make sport a welcoming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The Charter focuses on an individual’s right to participate in and enjoy sport – whoever they are and whatever their background. The Charter also believes that sport is about fairness and equality, respect and dignity - it teaches individuals how to strive and succeed, how to cope with success and disappointment, and brings people together with a common goal.
The campaign is committed to making these values a reality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people - with the aim of making sport a welcome place for everyone whether they are participating in sport, attending sporting events or working and volunteering in sports at any level.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Related Stories:
London 2012: Olympic committee unveils not one but two mascots
London 2012: Ticket details announced
London 2012: Three years to go
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said: “Sport should be about what you can do, not who you are. But too many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people feel that the sports field is not somewhere they can be themselves, and that prejudice and discrimination will mean their sexuality is always talked about more than their ability with a ball, bat or racket.
“Homophobia and transphobia has no place in sport and I’m delighted that so many sporting bodies are backing our campaign to stamp it out at all levels, from local parks to Olympic stadiums.
“Everyone - including individual sportsmen and women and spectators – is welcome to sign up to the charter, and I want to see as many people as possible joining us in pledging to stamp out homophobia and transphobia.”
Alex Horne, General Secretary of the Football Association, said: “The FA and its stakeholders have worked hard over the years in providing football for all and ensuring that football stadia are open to everyone and are both family and LGB and T friendly.
“We’ve seen real progress over the last 20 years when it comes to tackling racism and that’s something football should be proud of. We remain committed to our long-term goal of removing all forms of discrimination, such as homophobia, out of the game.”
It’s not just governing bodies that are welcome to sign up to the Charter. As well as governing bodies, the charter is also open to leagues, teams, and individual participants and spectators. You can show your support for the Charter by signing up to it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lgbtsportcharter.
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
