Homophobia and transphobia given the red card by top sports stars
Sports stars Billie Jean King, Gareth Thomas and Ben Cohen, backed the government's charter to tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport.
Stars and sports organisations signed the government鈥檚 charter for action at the event held ahead of gay pride.
The charter commits signatories to challenge discrimination and work to rid sport of homophobic and transphobic abuse both on the stands and in the field, so that everyone can take part in and enjoy sport.
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Speaking at the reception, prime minister David Cameron said:
鈥業 think it鈥檚 great that here in No 10 we have got representatives of the governing bodies of almost every single sport you can think of, signing the charter saying it鈥檚 time to put an end to homophobia.
鈥楾here are a huge number of sports personalities who have not felt able to come out. We should be doing far more to make them comfortable to do that.
鈥榊oung people look to role models, and until we have enough positive role models, it won鈥檛 change.鈥�
Home secretary, Theresa May said:
鈥楾here is no room for hate of any kind, anywhere in sport.
鈥楤ut too many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people feel that the sports field is not somewhere they can be themselves, and that prejudice and discrimination will mean their sexuality is always talked about more than their ability with a ball, bat or racket.
鈥楽port should be about what you can do, not who you are. I want to see anybody and everybody who loves sport sign the charter for action and commit to kicking homophobia and transphobia out of sport for good.鈥�
The charter for action forms part of a government plan to ensure equal treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The government is taking action on a range of issues from civil partnerships, to promote better recording of hate crimes and a commitment to promote rights abroad.
Notes to editors:
1.听听听听听 The charter for action was launched on 13 March by government minister for equalities, Lynne Featherstone
2.听听听听听 To support the campaign and sign up to the charter for action 鈥榣ike鈥� the Facebook page, or visit
3.听听听听听 For media enquries only please contact the home office newsdesk on 020 7035 3535
4.听听听听听 High resolution images听can be found听on听our