HOMOPHOBIA IN FOOTBALL

Early day motion 966, tabled 20 January 2014 by John Leech (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes former Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger's decision to announce his sexuality; supports Gainsborough Trinity player Liam Davis, Britain's only male openly gay semi-professional or professional footballer; further supports efforts to eradicate homophobic abuse from football by campaigns such as the Football Association-backed Football v. Homophobia campaign; notes the positive changes that have occurred since Justin Fashanu came out in 1990; recognises there is still more progress to be made to remove homophobia in football; and calls on all clubs, supporters, football authorities, police and relevant authorities to work together to eradicate this abuse.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 6, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.