Gay Football Supporter's Network
GFSN News
The Gay Football Supporters’ Network (the GFSN) is extremely disappointed at the circumstances which have led to the initial postponement and ultimate leaking of the FA’s anti-homophobia film.
The GFSN was initially made aware of the intention to make the film early in 2009 and lobbied unsuccessfully for the project to include input from the LGBT community and the GFSN from the outset and we are disappointed that the lack of consultation and inclusion has helped result in the events of the last few days.
We question why The FA has decided to form its strategy now and had not acted in the months since the film was first commissioned and we have sought reassurances from The FA that it is still committed to tackling homophobia in football.
Chris Basiurski, chair of the GFSN says:
“We are very disappointed that a lack of planning seems to have derailed this project.
We would have thought that the football community would be embarrassed that a senior professional rugby player was able to come out while the world continues to say that football is not ready.
The FA and the other football authorities need to be asking themselves whether they are doing all they can and should be doing to tackle homophobia. The FA says it is committed to changing the environment in football but we think it has a long way.
We would urge The FA not to delay but to act quickly to end the uncertainty and put in place the necessary strategies to allow it to proceed with this very important campaign.”
We welcome Kick It Out’s commitment to go it alone with the film if The FA ultimately does not decide to proceed and look forward to working with them to ensure that the campaign is a success.
Press Release - 10 February 2010