Kick It Out hosts debate on homophobia in football
Two weeks of events to tackle homophobia and racism
London - 16 October 2008
The Football Association is backing a new campaign against homophobia, and is hosting the Kick It Out campaign launch, this evening, at its Soho headquarters.
'Homophobia - Football's Final Taboo'
FA headquarters, Soho Square, London, W1D 4FA.
7pm on Thursday 16 October 2008.
Open to the media and the public. Admission is free.
Speakers at the event include Piara Powar - Kick It Out, Lucy Faulkner - Football Association, Peter Tatchell - OutRage!, Barney Efthimiou - Gay Football
Supporters Network, and Jason Bartholomew Hall - Justin Fashanu Campaign.
The issue of homophobia in football has been bought to head by the recent anti-gay abuse directed against Portsmouth's star player and England International,
Sol Campbell.
Kick It Out, which has long campaigned against racism in football, has broadened its remit to become football's equality and inclusion campaign. It is
spearheading the new anti-homophobia initiative under the theme of One Game, One Community.
Kick It Out has organised tonight's event at the FA headquarters. It's Director, Piara Powar, said:
"We've been campaigning to rid our game of discrimination for some years. We've made significant headway; black players are everywhere and ethnic minority
communities are getting closer whether they are on the pitch or in the stands. However, there are still no openly gay players and casual abuse of many players
has homophobic overtones.
"We exist to, among other things, help raise the issue of homophobia in football. We want to use this event to pose some questions and unearth some answers,
as to why the world of professional football remains hostile to the openly lesbian, gay and transgender sections of the population."
Guest speaker Peter Tatchell of OutRage! added:
"Bigotry has no legitimate place in any sport. Homophobia is no more acceptable than racism. We want all prejudice kicked off the pitch.
Congratulations to Kick It Out and the Football Association for taking a stand against homophobia.
"Gay players, like black players, should never be expected to put up with bigoted taunts, insults and threats. We want football to offer a safe, welcoming
atmosphere for players and fans of all races and sexualities."
Kick It Out's new campaign, which starts on Thursday 16 October, will see professional football link up with schools, universities, community and youth centres,
for a nationwide stand against discrimination and for diversity. Over 1000 events and activities are scheduled to take place.
For further information on Kick It Out's One Game, One Community weeks of action please contact Danny Lynch email
danny@kickitout.org or visit
www.kickitout.org