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Demetriou would support openly gay AFL players

Up to one in every 20 AFL players might be gay, but hiding their sexuality for fear of being persecuted in the macho world of footy

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19 Feb 2012

Up to one in every 20 AFL players might be gay, but hiding their sexuality for fear of being persecuted in the macho world of footy.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has made a promise that the league would support any player who decides to publicly come out as gay.

"If a player wanted to make it public about his sexual preference then he would get absolutely nothing but support from the AFL, and nothing but support from everyone in the industry."

Demetriou elaborated and said all current AFL players have watched a DVD in which Olympic swimmer and silver medallist Daniel Kowalski talks about the issues he had to weigh up and think about when he decided to come out.

Demetriou adds that the AFL has "legislated" against discrimination on the basis of sexuality as well as religious and racial vilification.

"Everyone will be embraced regardless of their sexual preference, regardless of their multicultural or religious background."

Demetriou was speaking at the launch of a DVD to be distributed to more than 1000 football clubs across the country entitled 'Taking the Tackle', promoting respect for women.

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