The AFL will put their money where their mouth is this weekend when they screen the No To Homophobia adverts in the stadium before tonight’s Swans vs Magpies clash at ANZ Stadium and tomorrow night’s Hawks vs Crows clash at the MCG. While it could be construed as a knee-jerk reaction when the AFL cosigned the initiative when it was forced to address the issue after St Kilda’s Stephen Milne used a homophobic slur (“fucking homo”) against Collingwood’s Harry O’Brien, showing the advertisement before the game to packed stadiums shows the AFL is serious about making a practical difference. Prior to the screening the ground announcer will address the crowd.
“As part of its commitment to making football a game for everyone, the AFL is proud to support a new campaign tackling homophobia. This campaign aims to remind people that discrimination in any form is never acceptable – whether it’s on the footy field or in everyday life. If you look at the scoreboard now you will see one of the campaign advertisements,” the announcer will say.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou summed up up the obligations of the initiative:
The No to Homophobia initiative was vitally important and had the full support of the AFL industry. A campaign of this nature promoting respect for each other, healthy relationships and a safe, inclusive environment is imperative if we are to affect positive cultural change. We believe the AFL is one game for all Australians.
In addition to tackling homophobia, the AFL have joined the Human Rights Commission and the Australian Government in endorsing a new national anti-racism strategy – Racism. It Stops With Me. It’s this brand of socially responsible forward thinking that establishes the AFL as Australia’s premier sporting organisation. Homophobia and Racism are obviously NOT cool and are not condoned by any sporting organisation but the AFL deserves kudos for introducing initiatives that will have a practical impact.
