Pocock on the record for marriage equality - Australia Gay News Network

Racism in sport has been hotly debated in Australian sport in recent weeks because of Adam Goodes’ abuse at the hands of AFL crowds. Now, Australian Rugby Union player David Pocock has recommitted his stance not only against racism but also homophobia.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Pocock compared his experience of moving to Australia from Zimbabwe as a 12-year-old with that of an old school friend who was black.

Pocock’s family fled the southern African nation because of state-sponsored violence before he became a teenager.

Earlier this year Pocock took a stand against homophobia when ‘faggot’ was used by New South Wales Waratahs’ Jacques Potgieter.

It led to Potgieter admitting the slur, and visiting Australia’s first gay rugby club, the Sydney Convicts, to apologise.

Same-sex marriage has yet to be legalised in Australia, and Pocock says he and his partner Emma will not wed until it is.

“You see the debate, the marriage equality debate, and it’s like we’re talking about trading cars or selling cattle.

“These are real people. Chatting to friends in Perth at the time, marriage equality to many in the LGBTI community wasn’t the biggest issue for them. There were some other serious issues. But to people who want to celebrate their commitment in that way, I can’t see how you would deny your brothers and sisters or friends that opportunity.”

Author Andrew Shaw