GLISA International Applauds Recent Actions to Combat Homophobia in Sport and Call to End Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The past two weeks have been marked by significant achievements in the fight against homophobia in sport and the quest for equal rights for the LGBT community.

On November 28, 2008, the UK Rugby Football League was the first professional sports league to sign on to Stonewall's campaign against homophobia. The campaign will include posters proclaiming "Some People are Gay. Get over it!" and the formation of a RFL task force to support diversity initiatives in the workplace. [Read More]

On December 4, 2008, the Dutch ministers for Gay emancipation and Sports, signed an alliance with several straight and gay sport organizations in The Netherlands to kick off the 'Gay & Straight Alliance' (GSA), to promote discussion and social acceptance of homosexuality in sports.

On December 11, 2008, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission released a statement noting the upcoming address on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity at the United Nations General Assembly. This address will be the first of its kind and is supported by 50 nations around the world. The address will mark the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights and calls for the eradication of human rights abuse based on gender identity and sexual orientation. [Read the Press Release]

GLISA International is committed to building a global LGBT sporting community that is free from homophobia. GLISA supports these recent efforts. [More Information]