Homophobia - the opponent only gay athletes face

Homophobia and discrimination has no place in sport says Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley.

He was responding to recent news reports highlighting the prejudice encountered by gay sportsmen and women. Australia’s recent, Out on the Fields survey revealed discrimination, abuse and exclusion faced by gay athletes.

"Gay athletes have to face other powerful opponents: homophobia and discrimination," says Mr Tankersley.

"When a rugby player scores a try or a runner crosses the finish line first: it's their athletic excellence that counts not whether they're gay or straight."

Mr Tankersley urges all New Zealand’s sporting codes to make homophobia and discrimination part of our nation’s sporting history and not part of our future.

ENDS