In a monumental step forward for gay tolerance, premier league
football clubs are expected to sign-up to the government's Sports
Charter imminently.
The Government's Sports Charter, which aims to make sports more
inclusive for gays and lesbians, was launched in March last
year.
Despite receiving backing from The Football Association, England
and Wales Cricket Board and the Rugby Football League, this is the
first time that Premier League football clubs have pledged their
support.
It is considered the latest step in eradicating anti-gay bias from
the terraces.
As a result, leading campaigners have welcomed the news -
including members of the Liberal Democrats and the Gay Football
Supporter's Network.
Adrian Trett from the Liberal Democrats says that the news
highlights the work of Equalities Minister Lynne
Featherstone.
"It is a major step in getting the leading premiership football
clubs in the game to acknowledge the issue and work with all the
football communities to eradicate this kind of unacceptable
behaviour in the 21st century," he said.
"It is now essential that ALL clubs sign up and take the necessary
real steps to ensure that that ignorance, prejudice and hatred is
driven out of football."
Dave Raval, a leading Liberal Democrat in North London and the
most senior referee in England to have publicly come out, says:
"The real impact of this charter is not on the 6,000 professional
football players and referees in England, it is the effect this
will have on young people looking for role models in the sport they
love. One of the last safe havens for homophobia, football, is
finally starting to join the 21st century."
All the clubs choosing to sign will have committed to challenge
discrimination and work to rid football of homophobic and
transphobic abuse both in the stands and on the field.
The voluntary charter, launched by the Home Office in March last
year, unites everyone who loves sport behind a pledge to reject
homophobia and transphobia.
High-profile supporters include Stephen Fry, David Furnish, Billie
Jean King and Martina Navratilova also support the bill.
