AFL Appeal Board’s green light for homophobia
AFL Appeal Board’s green light for homophobia | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news AFL Appeal Board’s green light for homophobia 2026-04-24 The AFL Appeal Board’s decision to substantially reduce a penalty imposed for a homophobic slur is appalling, and its statement of reasons makes it even worse, the Greens say.
“Homophobia should have no place in the AFL, or our society more broadly, and the AFL Commission needs to intervene and make that clear,” Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said. “Justifying homophobia and other forms of discriminatory language because football is a ‘hard game’ and ‘competitive’ is nothing short of disgraceful." “This would not fly in any other workplace in the country and nor should it.” “This ruling is a green light for homophobia and shows the AFL is not serious about fighting for equality.” “The totally backwards logic that underpins this decision is a slap in the face to queer Australians, particularly those who have been made to feel unwelcome in Aussie rules.” “The AFL as an organisation and as the custodian of a beloved sport, has fallen badly short here.” “It should be taking a leadership role to stamp out homophobia, and that means no longer excusing homophobia.” Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
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