Premium Content:

Seven Manly players opt out citing religious objections to Pride rainbow

Rugby League the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles are facing a challenge for their upcoming fixture, with seven of their players reportedly announcing they will not play because of a special jumper featuring the rainbow colours of the Pride flag.

- Advertisement -

The Sydney Morning Herald had reported that Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley will sit out the next game against the Roosters, citing cultural and religious objections to the uniforms.

The club unveiled the special uniform to the media on Monday, but apparently had failed to consult with the players. Earlier in the day the club’s CEO had been describing the organisation as one that embraced diversity.

Interim Sea Eagles CEO Gary Wolman said the Club was proud of the jersey.

“The Sea Eagles have such a rich and diverse history in rugby league and in the community,’’ Wolman said.

Like many team sports Rugby has had very few players who have publicly shared they are same-sex attracted. Ian Roberts remains the only top level Australian rubgy player to come out during their playing career – he played for the club from 1990 until 1995.  When Roberts came out in 1995 he was the first top level rugby player in the world to share that they were gay.

Roberts, who was expected to attend the upcoming game, has described the players stance as heartbreaking.

“I try to see it from all perspectives but this breaks my heart,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“It’s sad and uncomfortable. As an older gay man, this isn’t unfamiliar. I did wonder whether there would be any religious push back. That’s why I think the NRL have never had a Pride round.”

“I can promise you every young kid on the northern beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this.” Roberts said.

OIP Staff


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

 

Latest

G Flip shares more music from their upcoming album

'In Another Life' is the third single from 'Dream Ride' out this September.

Bangarra Dance Theatre bring their stunning ‘Illume’ to Perth

Illume is playing at the Health Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre until 13th July before heading to the Albany Entertainment Centre on 18th July.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

Newsletter

Don't miss

G Flip shares more music from their upcoming album

'In Another Life' is the third single from 'Dream Ride' out this September.

Bangarra Dance Theatre bring their stunning ‘Illume’ to Perth

Illume is playing at the Health Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre until 13th July before heading to the Albany Entertainment Centre on 18th July.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

On This Gay Day | Neil Tennant is celebrating his birthday

See what else happened on this day in history.

G Flip shares more music from their upcoming album

'In Another Life' is the third single from 'Dream Ride' out this September.

Bangarra Dance Theatre bring their stunning ‘Illume’ to Perth

Illume is playing at the Health Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre until 13th July before heading to the Albany Entertainment Centre on 18th July.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.