Crunch looms in gay pride rugby row
A game of Rugby League might not be expected to attract widespread political and social commentary. But the decision by the Manly Sea Eagles club of Sydney to acknowledge gay pride has stirred up a hornets’ nest.
Peter Riddell,
Professor Emeritus of
London School of Theology
Club management arranged for the production of rainbow jerseys to be worn for one round of the National Rugby League competition. This triggered the withdrawal of seven of its top players, who mostly hail from Pacific Island minority Christian communities. When the club selected replacement players, there were further withdrawals.
