Pick up our latest print edition for a feature on combatting homophobia in sport.

America’s National Football League (NFL) has taken a step towards GLBT acceptance in sport, with an addition made to the organisation’s Collective Bargaining agreement to include an anti-homophobia clause.

Wide Rights reports the language in the 2006 Collective Bargaining Agreement article regarding player security says:

Section 1. No Discrimination: There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.

The new language in the 2011 document, however, says:

Section 1. No Discrimination: There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.

Wide Rights’ Pete Olsen says, “Having explicit language protecting the class is a big step towards helping a player come out while actively playing. There may still be fears of abuse from fans or opposing players, but at least a gay player can be protected from being cut from a team, or from any other adverse action, coming from the organisational level.”