The Peter Tatchell Foundation has launched a
petition to demand the equal treatment of women in London
2012.
The goal of the petition is for the President of the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) to present the gold medal to the winner of
the women's marathon. As it stands, the IOC only presents the gold
to the winner of the men's marathon.
If successful, the petition will be a step in the right direction
for equality says Tatchell:
"Having the women's marathon gold medal presented by an IOC
underling is an insult not only to the winner but to all women
athletes. It symbolizes that women's sporting achievements are not
accorded the same respect and dignity as men's.
"By this small gesture, we can send a signal to the IOC that
women's equality is important."
Tatchell believes discrimination is being condoned at the 'highest
levels' at London 2012: "In the absence of laws against homophobic
and transphobic discrimination, victimization and bias against
lesbian and transgender athletes is endemic in most competing
nations.
"Gender marginalization, discrimination and exclusion in many
countries means that women have fewer opportunities to compete at
London 2012, regardless of how talented they are."
To sign the petition Click
here
PHOTO: London 2012 / LOCOG
