LGBTQ inclusion: Australian rugby players refuse to wear rainbow jersey
Created: 07/26/2022, 12:39 p.m
The Manly Warring Sea Eagles rainbow jersey is refused by seven players.
© dpa/MANLY WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES
Sydney rugby league club Manly Sea Eagles are campaigning for respect for the LGBTQ community.
Seven players refuse.
Sydney - On Thursday (July 28), the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles rugby players will become the first team in the competition to wear a jersey designed to promote LGBTQ inclusion in sport.
However, some of the players refuse to wear the rainbow jersey.
The seven players cited “religious, cultural and family concerns” as reasons.
The refusal has sparked much debate, including Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
He hopes the matter will be settled quickly because it is "a good thing that sport is becoming more inclusive," he said.
"It's important in Australian society that we respect everyone for who they are."
Australia: Rugby players refuse to wear rainbow jerseys
Because of their resistance, the pros will not be used in the important game against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday.
Manly coach Des Hasler: "In this specific case, I also feel for these players.
They were not included in the discussions about the jersey,” explained Hasler, referring to the club management's decision to send the players onto the field in the Pride jersey.
They should have "at least been consulted" in advance.
Hasler simultaneously apologized to all minority groups and the LGBTQ community.
"Our intention was to be sensitive and passionate about advocating for all of the diverse groups that face inclusion issues on a daily basis," he was quoted as saying by the AAP news agency.
The English abbreviation LGBTQ stands for people who have different identities and sexual orientations.
Australia: Manly manager Des Hasler to wear rainbow jersey 'with pride'
Instead, because of poor management, the action "has led to considerable confusion, discomfort and pain among many people," said Hasler.
He himself will proudly wear the rainbow shirt, the coach added.
(ktho/dpa)