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RFL teams up with Stonewall
RFL
Rugby Football League joins Stonewallââ¬â¢s Diversity Champions Programme
"Homophobia still deters far too many gay people from being both fans and participants in sport."
Today sees the beginning of what should be a beautiful relationship between gay pressure group Stonewall and the Rugby Football League (RFL),
The RFL have just become the first sporting body to join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Programme, which promotes equality in the work place for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.
Chief Executive of Stonewall Ben Summerskill spoke if his delight at the RFL’s decision to join the likes of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in becoming part of the Programme:
“We're delighted at the vision being shown by the RFL… Homophobia still deters far too many gay people from being both fans and participants in sport. We hope that we'll soon see a British Ian Roberts, an iconic Rugby League player able both to come out as gay and play world class rugby at the same time.”
RFL's Equality and Diversity Manger, Sarah Williams also enthused about the project:
“I am very proud to be a part of an organisation that has a genuine commitment to equality and diversity. I am confident that the RFL as an organisation and the wider Rugby League family will rise to the challenge and look forward working with Stonewall to make a real difference.”
There are currently no openly gay Rugby League players. Stonewall's Sportsperson of the Year award went to Nigel Owens in 2007, who was the first openly gay referee to officiate in a Rugby World Cup.
For more information visit the official Stonewall website.
