Ads to tackle homophobia in sport

Submitted by news on Fri, Sep 21, 2012 - 11:09am
An online campaign initiated by a gay Victorian footballer from the Yarra Valley Mountain District league has sparked media attention and action within the game.

Jason Ball claims the lack of players who acknowledge their sexuality at this level limits gay role models and involvement. His petition attracted 25,000 signatures in less than two weeks, with the AFL agreeing to air the No to Homophobia commercials during this weekend’s preliminary finals.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says they take their responsibility as community leaders and organisers seriously, and that screening the ads in front of large attendances will ensure it raises awareness of the cause.