The Australian Rugby Leauge Team, St George Illawarra Dragons have reportedly submitted a formal application to sign Israel Folau.
In response to the application to the NRL, Pride in Sport – the Australian not-for-profit program that aims to support Australian sporting organisations and clubs in all aspects of LGBT+ inclusion, has hit back at the club saying that Folau’s views “do not reflect the standards and expectations that exist today in Australia.”
“His past statements about LGBTQ communities work in direct opposition to the significant progress on acceptance and inclusion that is being made by sporting codes, clubs and organisations across the country,” says co-founder of the Pride In Sport Index, Andrew Purchas OAM.
“If the St George Illawarra Dragons go down this path, there is an expectation that there will be a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ people.”
“Further, if Mr Folau’s appointment as a player eventuates, he must abide by NRL’s policies on diversity and inclusion, and we encourage the Dragons to have in place strategies that will ensure best practice deliverables around LGBTQ inclusion policy, education, visibility, and cultural safety.”
“NRL is a code that prides itself as being a sport for everyone with strong values of diversity and inclusion,” Purchas adds.
“History has shown Mr Folau’s repeated failures to abide by sporting inclusion policies despite assurances.”
“Sporting clubs must take a stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia when it happens and send a clear message to all Australians that discriminatory words and deeds will not be tolerated,” he concludes.
Beau Newell who is the National Program Manager of Pride in Sport has also come out criticizing the club saying “We know that the words and actions of high-profile sportspersons have enormous impact on our culture and far-reaching consequences. Their statements have a profound influence on the community – especially young people.”
“Derogatory and discriminatory remarks about LGBTQ people create division, take away people’s dignity and can contribute to people feeling marginalised, excluded, and inferior.”
“Australians know the importance of having a safe and inclusive sporting culture, no matter the code, and expect a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination. It is the right of every player, coach, volunteer, fan or spectator to be feel accepted, on and off the sporting field.”
“Pride in Sport works with many of Australia’s most prominent sporting organisations, assisting them in their provision of a safe and inclusive environment for all people.”
“We look forward to the opportunity to work with the Dragons, and any other sports, on all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion in sport.”
