NFL player Fujita in
marriage-equality ad
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released a web ad featuring Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita for its Americans for Marriage Equality campaign, according to a press release.
In the ad, Fujita says, "I've been married for 12 years and I know that it is unfair to keep other loving and committed couples from getting married and protecting their families."
Fujita was a member of the 2010 world-champion New Orleans Saints team and currently plays for the Cleveland Browns. His ad is the seventh released by HRC for the Americans campaign, following ads featuring Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, Oscar winner Mo'Nique, civil-rights legend Julian Bond, Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo, Broadway playwright Katori Hall and actor Josh Charles (TV's The Good Wife).
The video can be viewed online at http://www.hrc.org/MarriageEquality.
NBA adds anti-bias
agreement in
collective bargaining
In a statement, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) congratulated the National Basketball Association (NBA), who announced that it would adopt a non-discrimination policy that covers sexual orientation as part of its collective bargaining agreement.
The announcement came on the same day HRC released the 2012 Corporate Equality Index, which scores U.S. employers on their policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees. Earlier this year, the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball added sexual orientation to their nondiscrimination protections.
"The NBA now joins the ranks of some of the most influential organizations and corporations in the country, who all believe that equality and inclusion are integral to a successful workplace," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We are grateful to Commissioner [David] Stern, the NBA and the Players' Association for sending such a powerful message to society that what matters is a person's talent, not their sexual orientation."
Over the last year, some professional athletes have worked with HRC to promote LGBT equality in the United States. Most recently, NBA great Steve Nash, Sean Avery of the NHL and the NFL's Michael Strahan, Brendan Ayanbadejo and Scott Fujita all participated in video ads speaking out in favor of marriage equality.
Because there are no legal protections at the federal level, many private employers have adopted policies to protect their LGBT employees against unfair employment practices. HRC called on the NBA to adopt non-discrimination policies that cover sexual orientation and gender identity, and will continue to advocate for the inclusion of gender identity in their nondiscrimination policy.
Regarding the NBA agreement, GLAAD (the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) also issued a statement. "The NBA now joins leading Fortune 500 companies and the vast majority of Americans who believe that gay people should have the same opportunities to work and live freely as who they are," said Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD. "This decision shows that homophobia has no place on the court or in the game and we hope that local, college and high school teams follow this important example."
Chicago Force
tryouts Dec. 17
The Chicago Force women's football team is holding its second set of tryouts for its 2012 season Saturday, Dec. 17, at Evanston Township High School Fieldhouse (indoor gym) 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston, 1-3 p.m.; arrive by 12:45 p.m. to register.
Prospective players should also plan to attend a post-tryout meet-and greet with coaches and players immediately following the practice.
Both tryouts will consist of sprints; agility and strength assessments; and football fundamentals. It will also include a Q&A session. Tryouts are open to women 17 and older.
There is a one-time $20 tryout fee for new players. Call the Force hotline at 312-405-4130 or visit www.chicagoforcefootball.com for more information.
