Gay footballers urged to ignore Akermanis's 'closet' comments / Secrecy is the real threat to team cohesion / Tas Sports Minister declares no place in sport for discrimination

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 20.5.10.

Tasmanian gay activists have urged Tasmania's gay Aussie Rules football players to ignore Jason Akermanis's call to "stay in the closet".

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said there is no room in sport for prejudice or discrimination.

"A gay player should feel equally able to be honest about his partner, his family and his life, as a heterosexual player", Mr Croome said.

"Imposing a double standard of secrecy on gay footballers is not only wrong, it threatens to undermine their game and team cohesion."

"Jason Akermanis's concerns about the negative impact of openly-gay players in locker-rooms and on team cohesion echo the nonsense we used to hear about openly-gay soldiers."

"The Defence Forces have got along just fine with openly-gay members and I'm sure football teams will too."

This week Tasmanian Sports Minister, David O'Byrne, condemned discrimination in sport and called on clubs to develop inclusive policies and practices.

“All Tasmanians deserve the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation activities, without fear of harassment and discrimination,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“Sporting organisations should be encouraging an environment that is socially inclusive for all participants; no matter what location, socio-economic situation, culture, language, age, gender, ability or sexual identity they have.”

“It would be a good idea (for club management) to speak to volunteers and members about why and how your organisation is inclusive and to reiterate that homophobic behaviour will not be tolerated.”

For the full text of Mr O'Byrne's statement go to
www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=29568

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.