Wednesday, 3 June 2009
AFL scores another goal by extending vilification policy
Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated the Australian Football League (AFL) for extending its racial and religious vilification policy to cover disabilities and sexual orientation.
The AFL recently announced that the wording of the policy now extends to prohibit vilification on the basis of a special disability (which includes a disease or illness) or sexual orientation, preference or identity.
“In 1995, the AFL became the first sporting body in Australia to adopt procedures to deal with racial and religious vilification when they developed Rule 30: A Rule to Combat Racial and Religious Vilification,” said Commissioner Innes.
“In updating Rule 30, the AFL has continued its tradition of being proactive and responsive to reflect social attitudes on issues of discrimination and vilification.”
Mr Innes said it is clear that incidents of discrimination and vilification occur across many sporting codes, which can be a major barrier to participation for many individuals and groups in society.
“Australia’s sporting organisations should make it a priority that their policies and programs are focused on making sure that their sport is fun and healthy, but also ensure that they are safe and inclusive, and free from any form of harassment or discrimination,” the Commissioner said.
“After all, sport provides an excellent vehicle for establishing norms of behaviour that can be emulated by the rest of society, particularly by young people.
“Sport also offers opportunities to break down barriers and encourage participation in a way that other areas of society may struggle to match.”
In 2007, the Australian Human Rights Commission produced a report titled: What’s the Score? A survey of cultural diversity and racism in Australian sport. The report provides a basis for governments and sporting organisations to consider future policy strategies aimed at both addressing racism within sport, as well as promoting an inclusive and non-discriminatory attitude by players, supporters and the public. The report is available online at: http://humanrights.gov.au/racial_discrimination/whats_the_score/index.html
The Commission also supports the Play by the Rules initiative, which provides information and online training for the sport and recreation industry about how to prevent and deal with discrimination and harassment.
Media contact: Paul Oliver - 0408 469 347
