Thu 27 Oct 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
A new report is recommending national sporting bodies adopt a policy of zero tolerance for homophobia in all areas of the organisations. The UK's rainbow laces campaign is among the anti-homophobia in sport campaigns overseas. The report, "Anti-homophobia and inclusion policies in New Zealand Sport Organisations” reviewed the national sports bodies currently addressing issues of diversity and discrimination with policy change. Research shows that 81 per cent of New Zealand’s gay sports people and 74 per cent of lesbian sports people under 22-year-old reported being either partially or totally in the closet with their team-mates. The 2015 Out in the Fields surveyed a number of people involved with sports and discovered that 88% of people had experienced homophobia. Most recently, there have been high-profile incidents of homophobia in sport, including an incident at a hot pools complex in Waikato when Chiefs lock Michael Allardice directed a anti-gay at a gay man, saying “Here come the gays, here come the gays, come on my face, come on my face! Here come the gays!” In May the organisations studied announced they were coming together to encourage diversity and inclusion across all sports. Those organisations include NZ Rugby, Netball New Zealand, Hockey New Zealand, New Zealand Rugby League, New Zealand Football, and New Zealand Cricket. The report was prepared by University of Otago Dr Sally Shaw of Otago’s School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences and was based on workshops and interviews. Homophobia was identified as an issue by most of the participating bodies and the report recommends they adopt clear anti-discrimination and inclusion policies and education programmes, and that homophobia zero tolerance policies should cover players, coaches, administrators and fans. Early education at schools, clubs and in youth sport is vital say Dr Shaw. Dr Shaw says it is vital to start early with education at schools, clubs, and youth sport. "Young lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes are far more likely to stay in the closet because of fear of bullying and discrimination than older athletes,” she says. The Rainbow Tick has been noted as an organisation sporting bodies should be seeking support from in the development of such policies and Shaw is also urging them to reach out to LGBTI and other marginalised groups to understand the issues from those most affected.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 27th October 2016 - 11:48am