Sports
personalities and celebrities including tennis legend Billie Jean
King, rugby's Gareth Thomas and Ben Cohen, and David
Furnish committed to tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport
last night at a Downing Street reception attended by the Prime
Minister and Home Secretary.
Stars and sports organisations signed the government's
charter for action at the event held ahead of Gay Pride.
The charter commits signatories to challenge discrimination and
work to rid sport of homophobic and transphobic abuse both on the
stands and in the field, so that everyone can take part in and
enjoy sport.
Speaking at the reception, Prime Minister David Cameron said:
"I think it's great that here in No 10 we have
got representatives of the governing bodies of almost every single
sport you can think of, signing the charter saying it's
time to put an end to homophobia.
"There are a huge number of sports personalities who
have not felt able to come out. We should be doing far more to
make them comfortable to do that.
"Young people look to role models, and until we have
enough positive role models, it won't change."
Home Secretary, Theresa May said:
"There is no room for hate of any kind, anywhere in sport.
"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.
"Sport should be about what you can do, not who you are.
I want to see anybody and everybody who loves sport sign the
Charter for Action and commit to kicking homophobia and
transphobia out of sport for good."
The charter for action forms part of a government plan to ensure
equal treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The government is taking action on a range of issues from civil
partnerships, to promote better recording of hate crimes and a
commitment to promote rights abroad.
Notes to editors:
1. The charter for action was launched on 13 March by Government
Minister for Equalities, Lynne Featherstone
2. To support the campaign and sign up to the charter for action
'like' the 'I love sport, but I hate
homophobia and transphobia' Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/lgbtsportcharter,
or visit http://www.equalities.gov.uk/news/minister_shows_red_card_to_hom.aspx
3. For media enquries only please contact the Home Office
newsdesk on 020 7035 3535
4. To download high resolution images visit our flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/49956354@N04/sets/72157627028152518/
Contacts:
Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk