Tory MP seeks to make homophobic chanting in football stadiums illegal

A Conservative MP has launched a bid to make homophobic chanting in football stadiums illegal in an effort to protect LGBT+ fans and players.

Damian Collins, who also chairs parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said he aims to broaden the remit of the 1991 Football Offences Act.

He is expected to present the draft proposals to parliament on Monday alongside the former Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas.

The Football Offences Act made indecent or racist chanting in sports stadiums illegal as well as throwing objects inside the premises and going onto the pitch without permission. It is currently punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.

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Mr Collins is now seeking to amend the legislation to “make chanting or gesturing of an indecent nature with reference to either sexual orientation or gender identity” against the law.

It follows an alarming 2016 report from Stonewall that found that nearly three quarters of football fans (72 per cent) claimed to have heard homophobic abuse while watching live sports.

And in 2017, a separate report released by the culture committee urged sport authorities to show “zero tolerance” to homophobia as it claimed such abuse “is still too often allowed to pass unchallenged”.

Ahead of submitting the draft legislation next week, Mr Collins said: “Whilst, if enacted, the bill would protect LGBT+ fans and players in the UK, recent events, including at the World Cup, have once again demonstrated that homophobic abuse takes place at football matches the world over.

“Fifa and other sports governing bodies should take the necessary steps to ensure that homophobic abuse will never be tolerated and that action will be taken against people that engage in activities like these, no matter where the game is played.

“We hope that the bill will soon become law and will contribute to making football a sport that is truly open to everyone.”

Kirsty Clarke, director of sport at Stonewall, said: “Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic chanting are still sadly a feature of some football terraces. We’re keen to see legislation put in place that outlaws discrimination on the basis of all protected characteristics.

“We very much look forward to working closely with MP Damian Collins, the committee and the government to ensure that comprehensive measures are taken so that all LGBT+ fans feel safe and accepted in sport.

“We’re also working closely with the Premier League and other partners on measures to tackle hate crime within football such as education and training.”