All U.K. Premier Soccer Leagues Against Homphobia

Monday, 06 February 2012 01:20

It's been a long time coming, but all of the U.K. premier soccer league teams have signed a charter in to combat homphobia and transphobia in their sport. According to Divamag: 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.

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