Belgian politician works to rid football of gay taboo

Flemish equal opportunities minister Pascal Smet has launched a campaign together with the Royal Belgian Football Association to eliminate anti-gay attitudes in football. The motto of the campaign is: “Holebi of hetero, maak er geen spel van”, or “Gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual – don’t make a game of it”.

“Football is a sport for young and old in Belgium, regardless of origin, skin colour, religion or sexual orientation,” Smet said. “We have players, clubs, referees and also supporters now on board to take concrete measures to further the social acceptance of homosexuality.” 

The campaign has also adopted the catchphrase “The Only Gay In Football”, giving the name to a new Facebook page featuring Robbie Rogers, 26, the first openly gay footballer to play in the US. Rogers (pictured) came out earlier this year, also saying he was giving up football. But he changed his mind after fans showed overwhelming support.

Smet, who is himself gay, is taking advantage of social media to spread the message. Along with the Facebook page, supporters are encouraged to use the Twitter hashtag #onlygayinfootball. Other partners in the campaign include the Pro League and the Football Federation of Flanders.

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