Margot James MP for Stourbridge has supported the decision by all the clubs in the Premier League to sign up to the Government's Sports Charter to tackle discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in sport.
All 20 Premier League clubs have promised to challenge discrimination and work to rid football of homophobic abuse whether on the stands or on the field. The Sports Charter was launched in March of 2011 and so far nearly 3,000 sports fans and organisations have signed up.
The Charter states that everyone should be able to participate and enjoy sport regardless of their background and that unacceptable behaviour should be challenged.
Margot said “It is fantastic that all Premier League Clubs have agreed to this, this is a great step towards tackling homophobia in Football. Stonewall research shows that 78% of people thought that openly gay players would face hostility from fans, and in my experience of attending many football matches they are right, so clearly something needs to be done about this statistic. The Sports Charter will help to ensure equal treatment of gay people in sports.”