There’s no place for homophobia in Australia – with the arena of professional sport being no exception. Cricketing legend Brett Lee claims that homophobia in Australian sport is still widespread, and told News Corp today that professional sportspeople still may find it “near impossible” to publicly come out in Australia.
In support of the International Day Against Homophobia—held today around the world—Brett Lee described the current state of homophobia in Australian sport to news.com.au: “I have no doubt there are current high-profile cricketers who are gay but have to hide who they are…It’s 2015 — we should accept people for who they are.”
A recent global study of homophobia in sport, Out On The Fields, painted a fairly disappointing picture of homophobia in professional Australian sport, where Australia was found to be the least accepting country out of Western nations in regards to gay sportspeople.
In March this year, the Waratahs’ Jacques Potgieter was fined $20,000 over the use of homophobic slurs during a clash against the Brumbies.
Brett Lee today condemned the current “don’t ask, don’t tell” strategy seen in sport:
“In sport, in life in general, everyone should feel comfortable. I’ve worked alongside gay people in various areas for years — they should be treated the same, there shouldn’t be an issue with sexuality. In sport, we need to discuss the issue of homophobia. Sweeping it under the carpet like we have in the past simply doesn’t work.”
Rallies and peaceful demonstrations in Australian capital cities for the International Day Against Homophobia are being held today.
Join us as ally #IDAHO #equallove and stand against homophobia/transphobia State Library, Swanston St., Melb 1pm today. #marriageequality
— Christine Milne (@senatormilne) May 17, 2015
via news.com.au
Lead image by Ben Hoskins via Getty.
