Gay Rugby World Cup

It's not a "gay" competition at all. It is centred around being inclusive and that is the key - I am certain the organisers would welcome any player that wanted to advance the push toward a more inclusive society and in particular a more inclusive sporting culture in Australia regardless of sexuality.

On the Gillard thing, she appears to be opposed to gay marriage but is not opposed to equal rights for gay people as has been previously stated. The former is a specific point of contention, the latter is a very sweeping statement that doesn't assist in promoting good debate on the topic.

As I said in my first paragraph, I don't think this tournament would discriminate on the basis of sexuality or any other point of difference for that matter but I do need to say that reverse discrimination is still discrimination and is equally abhorrent. Regardless of your intent, discrimination and exclusivity is never the right way to go.

Probably be played, embraced in Sydney and analised the world over

I lived and worked in Canada for some years and it's like that there too. But in Australia some -- not all -- of the unions are staunchly Catholic and socially very conservative, even though they are pro-welfare state and pro-collective labour rights. A good example is the shop assistants union headed by Joe de Bruyn. This is one of the major reasons that the ALP is a social democratic party but not particularly progressive.

Anyway. Back to the topic at hand.

I think it's great that events like this are happening. Sexual orientation shouldn't even remotely matter in sport. I think many active sportsmen would agree. The American basketball great Charles Barkley said last year something along these lines: "I know I played with gay guys. I didn't care if they were gay, I cared if they were good." He went on to elaborate that what athletes care about most is winning. He implied that the problem is with fans more than locker rooms, although he did also say that some athletes are as bigoted as anyone else.

Sportsmen (and women) often come out in retirement. Hopefully we'll start to see a sporting landscape in which players don't have to hide their sexuality when they're playing.

haha. what a bullshit comment. "I believe in equal rights to all, save for certain rights". haha. seriously give yourself an uppercut. Truth be told I suspect Gillard is not opposed to Gay marriage. she and the ALP just don't want to lose votes. In this day and age Politicians always play it safe. Hence this PR stunt.

But this is probably not the appropriate forum for a human rights debate. I'll try to keep it rugby related.

I recall seeing a segment on the NRL Footy Show last year where some players from the Convicts (i think it was the Convicts) went on the show to promote awareness. One of the blokes mentioned that he was straight and decided to join the team after his mate (who no-one knew was gay) committed suicide. good story.

ha well it doesn't look good when you bold it like that

Having established all those ground rules - this is one world cup the Wobblies might be able to win!

but anyway unfortunatly i get roped into arguments too easy

main point is this rugby tournament is a good thing, who would have a problem for more opportunities to watch/play rugby aye

lots of posts just got deteled/moved.

Agree big time with this a good example is Penny Wong - with the ALP & gay. I'm sure she supports gay marriage but due to the stance of her party she must tow the line. I think it happens a lot, pollies towing the line of their political groups' stance that may be in contrast to what they actually stand for - god I would find that difficult.

Anyhow, I am happy for the gay rugby world cup to go ahead as a "stereotype barrier take-downer" if I can put it that way but ultimately look forward to a day coming when no one really gives a crap.