Bradford City sign up for anti-prejudice fight
9th December 2011
For immediate release
Bradford City sign up
for anti-prejudice fight
CWU members will be uniting with other equality campaigners at
Bradford City Football Club tomorrow (Saturday) to celebrate the
club's endorsement of the Sports Charter, which aims to
"give homophobia the red card."
This also coincides with the CWU's own campaign focused on
tackling homophobia in sport.
Long considered a bastion of anti-gay prejudice, football's
record in tackling homophobic discrimination is lamentably poor and
campaigners are determined to change this.
CWU national equality officer Linda Roy said:
"Back in March, the Government launched a Sports Charter aimed
at rooting out homophobia in sport, but, despite the Football
Association being one of the Charter's founding signatories, so
far, the number of professional clubs who have signed up remains in
single figures - that's why its great that Bradford City are
signing up on Saturday.
"Many CWU members are big football fans and, as an
organisation committed to equality, we want homophobia to be shown
the red card," she added.
Longstanding anti-homophobia activist Lindsey
England, founder of the Just a ball game?
Campaign, said: "Just a Ball Game? is proud to stand
shoulder to shoulder with trade union members on Saturday 10th
December for the CWU 'Day of Action' as part of our ongoing
campaigning and activist workload in challenging homophobia in
football.
"We are also extremely pleased that Bradford City have
agreed to host this historic day when football fans will unite to
raise awareness through the literature handed out addressing
anti-gay abuse and LGBT issues which are part of the sport.
"We hope this will be seen as a good practice model for
other football clubs and indeed other sports to follow who wish to
engage in taking a zero-tolerance approach towards both homophobia
and transphobia."
To mark the occasion on Saturday, there will be a formal signing
of the Charter by a senior Bradford City representative in the
centre circle of the Valley Parade pitch.
Outside the ground, campaigners will be leafleting fans arriving
for the match, in which 'The Bantams' entertain Plymouth
Argyle, who activists hope will also soon add their name to the
fight for equality.
Where: Outside the ground, Valley Parade,
Bradford, BD8 7DZ
When: From 1.30pm on Saturday 10th
December
The CWU has been heavily involved in campaigns for equality and
against discrimination in sport. The Sports Charter came about as a
result of long-running campaigns by activists from the union and
other organisations.
-Ends-
For further details contact: Linda Roy on 07802 904268 or Fevzi Hussein on 07806 932966
Notes:
The centre circle signing of the charter will take place at 2.45pm
Sports Charter
1) We believe that everyone should be able to participate in and enjoy sport - whoever they are and whatever their background.
2) We believe that sport is about fairness and equality, respect and dignity. Sport teaches individuals how to strive and succeed, how to cope with success and disappointment, and brings people together with a common goal.
3) We are committed to making these values a reality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We will work together, and individually, to rid sport of homophobia and transphobia.
4) We will make sport a welcome place for everyone - for those participating in sport, those attending sporting events and for those working or volunteering in sports at any level. We will work with all these groups to ensure they have a voice, and to challenge unacceptable behaviour.
