National survey launched in Scotland as part of Football v Homophobia

This article first appeared in Edinburgh's The Journal here.

A new campaign against homophobia in Scottish sport has been launched as part of international Football vs Homophobia Week.

Out for Sport is being run by the Equality Network as part of the biggest research to date on homophobia and transphobia in Scottish sport, which includes a nationwide survey.

The results of the research will form a series of recommendations to the Scottish Government and national sports bodies in attempts to stamp out prejudice, and open the game up by encouraging greater participation among those from LGBT backgrounds.

The Justin Campaign welcomes the launch of this survey which should shed light into football's last taboo.

The passion those north of the border have for the football has never been in any doubt. But the attitudes of some of those involved in the game towards members of the LGBT community means is a genuine barrier to everyone taking part in this wonderful sport. Anything that can be done to bring about change, particularly at the highest levels of the game, must be welcomed.

To read more about the The Equality Network, which works for LGBT equality and human rights in Scotland, go to its website here.