Barça signs manifest in struggle against homophobia as part of event including expert round table discussion
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
With this event FC Barcelona, through its Foundation, will celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia — held on Sunday 17 May — for the first time. The signing of this manifesto is another demonstration of the commitment to society that has always characterised FC Barcelona since its foundation, including the defence of values such as respect and tolerance, which forms a part of Club culture and is channelled through its Foundation.
This Thursday FC Barcelona officially joined the fight against homophobia in a ceremony held at Camp Nou, where vice president Jordi Cardoner and director Ramon Pont signed a manifesto formalising FC Barcelona’s commitment to promoting diversity, tolerance, respect, and dignity, especially in relation to sexual orientation.
FC Barcelona fully supports Law 19/2007, of 11 July, against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport, and pledges to fight against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and discrimination of any kind in the world of sports.
Cardoner and Pont signed the document in the presence of Santi Vila, Minister of Territorial Planning and Sustainability, accompanied by Marina Geli, Albert Oliva, Miguel Ángel Aguilar, Jacques Schoofs, Carles Reyner, Elisenda Roca, Mag Lari, Manel Fuentes, Juan Mena, Gerard Esteve and Jordi Sans, representing civil institutions and society.
Expert round table
Later on, in the Sala Paris, there was a roundtable discussion presented by Manel Fuentes entitled “Barça against homophobia.” The session was attended by Miguel Ángel Aguilar García, co-ordinating attorney of the Hate and Discrimination Crimes Unit of the Fiscalia Provincial de Barcelona; Albert Oliva, Mossos d’Esquadra Inspector, President of the Panteres Grogues, Mr Jacques Schoofs, and vice-president Cardoner. They talked about how they are fighting discriminatory behaviour in each of their institutions and agreed that with initiatives like this, Barça is lending a helping hand and disseminating the message to many more people than would otherwise be possible.
The event was inaugurated by Minister Vila, and was attended by more than one hundred participants, among them, members of FC Barcelona and representatives of public entities and organizations fighting against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.