What you missed in the Manly pride jersey saga

·

By Stefanie Costi.

There has been a lot said about the seven Manly Sea Eagles players who refused to wear pride jerseys for Thursday’s match against the Sydney Roosters on account of their religious and cultural beliefs.

I get why.

The ‘Everyone in the League’ jersey – which was unveiled by the Manly Sea Eagles football club on Monday without consultation with players – was intended to promote diversity and inclusivity in the NRL.

It was a way to show the next generation that the NRL (which has traditionally lagged in recognising the LGBTQIA+ community in the past) welcomes anyone to play the game, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Moreover, it was a public display that the sporting code was willing to move with the times and actually put some action behind its 2017 inclusion framework which wrote: “True to our roots, we welcome everyone to rugby league, regardless of race, colour, religion, ability, creed, sexual orientation…”

And yet, the Manly Sea Eagles football club’s move to include the LGBTQIA+ community has been used to exclude and discriminate against those who hold religious and cultural beliefs.

How ironic.

By embracing one group in Australian society, we are willing to ostracise and vilify another.

At least, that’s the sentiment in a bunch of opinion pieces and comments that I’ve read over the past week.

The seven Manly Sea Eagles players have been labelled “bigots” and “homophobes.”

In an opinion piece for Crikey, managing partner at Sydney firm Marque Lawyers, Michael Bradley said: “Let the players sit the game out; they can wear their prejudice with pride.”

Kylie and Jackie O newsreader Brooklyn Ross said on Tuesday’s radio show: “I’m not here to put hate on them. We do Indigenous round. What if a group of white guys said, ‘Nah, I’m not playing this weekend?’ I want those players kicked out of [NRL]. We shouldn’t accept this.”

Former rugby union player Peter FitzSimons wrote in a piece for the Sydney Morning Herald: “So many points, so little time. So little space, so many space cadets.’ You have been named!”

Australian media have widely reported on the Manly saga.

How on earth did an exercise in tolerance and inclusivity become a way to exclude people of faith?

There are several things wrong with this picture.

First, we’ve clearly forgotten that discrimination is discrimination in certain areas of public life including employment and education irrespective of the group of people that are being discriminated against. A member of the LGBTQIA+ community is capable of being discriminated against as are people of faith. Australian anti-discrimination legislation says so.

Second, it’s the flawed idea that you either need to wear the pride jersey, or you’re a bigot. It’s not as simple as that. There are people of faith who support their queer friends, and some who identify as LGBTQIA+. Having faith and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community can coexist. Why are we being forced to choose one or the other? It is possible to be respectful of LGBTQIA+ communities without taking part in pride displays.

Third, this is not the first time that a football player has chosen not to wear a jersey because of their personal religious beliefs. In January, GWS player Haneen Zreika – who identifies as a Muslim – made the decision not to play in the AFLW Pride Round or wear her football club’s pride jersey on religious grounds. Even though Zreika had played in Pride Rounds in the past, she spoke to her teammates about her reasons for not playing. Many of them who identify as LGBTQIA+ understood where she was coming from, and Zreika returned to the field after the round was over. Why are the seven Manly Sea Eagles being treated differently?

GWS player Haneen Zreika chose not to wear a pride jersey in January this year due to her personal religious beliefs. Photo: aflnswact.com.au

Fourth, there is an idea floating around that the seven Manly Sea Eagles players should have worn the jersey to support their LGBTQIA+ teammates, contrary to their religious beliefs. Let’s not forget that they have the right of free will, and that they believe in a code that they place higher than football. For Christians, they believe in Jesus Christ and want to be an example of him. And, if we force them to choose between football and their faith, we won’t have much sport to watch.

What I hope that we have learned from the Manly saga is that you can be a person of faith, and still love your queer friends. You can disagree with them, but still respect and support their endeavours.

As Zreika said: “Inclusion is about creating a space where people are able to respect their right to choose how they live their life as long as they don’t advocate hate and division.”

It’s about time that we all remember that.

READ MORE: ‘They cannot be compelled to play’: Lee Hagipantelis on Manly pride jersey saga.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Program released for the 15th Biennial Modern Greek Studies Conference

The Modern Greek Studies Association of Australia and New Zealand (MGSAANZ) is thrilled to announce its 15th Biennial Conference.

Fronditha Care thriving whilst facing sector reform head on

Fronditha Care hosted its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, with over 50 people in attendance. 

Police release CCTV footage in suspected murder of Bill Frangos in Adelaide

Police have released CCTV footage of two men they believe are connected to the suspected murder of 72-year-old Bill Frangos in Adelaide.

Angelo Gargasoulas, brother of Victoria’s Bourke St killer, faces drug trafficking charges

Angelo Gargasoulas, the 33-year-old brother of Bourke Street killer James Gargasoulas, is facing serious drug trafficking charges.

Greece and Turkey discuss bilateral relations during talks in Athens

Greek and Turkish diplomats held a third round of political dialogue talks focusing on bilateral relations, EU ties and regional developments.

You May Also Like

TGH Exclusive: Strathfield Female Football Festival recognises young women in our sporting community

Left to drive this future in Sydney is Strathfield's Junior Vice President Angelica (Gelly) Georgopoulos who organised the Female Football Festival.

Women’s World Cup inspiring young Greek footballers in Australia

Fans from across the world will watch the most talented women in football aim for the title of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 champions.

Darwin GleNTi returns with a bang as thousands enjoy Greek food and dancing

Thousands poured into the Darwin Esplanade over the weekend to get their filling of yiros and baklava as the Darwin GleNTi returned.