Tackling Homophobia
Wednesday, 28 September 2005.
What should football be doing to tackle homophobia in football? How should abusive chanting be tackled and is there an issue in the professional game? What lessons can we learn from grassroots football clubs such as Stonewall FC? How can the police be involved? What should referees be doing?
A summit meeting to discuss homophobia across football - to learn from participants’ experiences at all levels, to hear what has been done and to agree a way forward for the future - has been organised for Tuesday 02 November.
The FA already runs a Report Abuse and Discrimination line and has taken a public stand against homophobia, reflected in literature, on websites, in the media and at conference events.
Homophobia has no place in football.
The session will be a mixture of presentations from those working in the gay and lesbian communities and those working in football plus the opportunity to ask questions of the panel as well as take part in an interactive discussion around the issues.
This event will set the agenda for football’s campaign against homophobia and ensure a legacy for the programme that creates genuine change in attitudes and perceptions.
The summit, which will be held at The Ricoh Arena, Coventry, is scheduled to run from 1.30 to 3.30pm.
Presenters confirmed include:
Ben Baks - European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation
Martin Perry - Brighton and Hove Albion FC
Lucy Faulkner - FA Ethics and Sports Equity Manager
Peter Clayton - CEO Middlesex County FA and FA Council Member
Audience:
Gay and lesbian organisations
Police authorities
County FA Football Development Officers
Premier League and Football League clubs
Government and political leaders
To report abuse and discrimination call The FA on freephone 0800 0850508 or email FootballForAll@TheFA.com