AFL discusses homophobia

The first of a series of forums on homophobia in sport took place last week with a number of high-level AFL representatives at the table.

It’s understood to be the first discussion of its kind that the AFL has been involved in to map out a path to tackle homophobia in sport.

The forum was spearheaded by anti-homophobia activist Rob Mitchell, and was chaired by Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria director, Associate Professor Anne Mitchell.

Rob Mitchell spoke out publicly during the recent case involving Ken Campagnolo, the sacked bisexual football trainer who was in the headlines for taking the AFL to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for discrimination he claims he faced while at the Bonnie Doon Football Club.

Campagnolo was unsuccessful in his attempts to see the peak football body implement anti-discrimination policies.

The forum included members of human rights groups, including the Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, along with AFL Players’ Association psychologist Pippa Grange and representatives of the AFL Respect and Responsibility Program and the AFL Umpires Association.

Rob Mitchell said there’s still a long way to go, but he was pleased with the progress in bringing sporting bodies to the discussion table.

-œWe’ve spoken to these people with the view to putting together a program and determine how to best put these things into action in the future, he said.

The discussions revolved around the health outcomes of same-sex attracted people, with a special focus on youth, and the impact homophobia has on and around the sporting field.

The group plans to meet again to discuss further plans for policy development, including revamping some of the AFL’s educational material to include sexual orientation discrimination.