Racism, sexism, homophobia… All forms of discrimination are in the sights of the Permanent Committee for the Fight Against Discrimination, established yesterday, Monday, May 16, by the Minister of Sports, Chantal Jouanno. Laura Flessel has been appointed to chair this committee.
She is one of the greatest athletes today (notably a world and Olympic champion in fencing) and who, in 15 years of high-level career, has “seen it all,” as she explained in a press conference.
“I’m not just a figurehead,” stated Laura Flessel, who is already involved in associations promoting access to fencing. After emphasizing that fencing is an amateur sport where athletes balance professional and sports life, she added: “I’m preparing for the Olympic Games (London 2012) but I want to convey these values.”
For Laura Flessel, “unity is strength. We need to create a concrete tool and get rid of stereotypes, avoid trivialization. We are going to need diagnostics. It must be done by utilizing all field experiences…”
This assembly of about forty members, including representatives of sports federations, SOS Homophobia, SOS Racism, the Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (FSGL), and academics, is tasked with implementing “operational tools” for 2011-2012.
BETTER UNDERSTANDING THE PHENOMENON
Two groups will work, one on the legal aspect of discrimination, the other on prevention.
It is about “better understanding this phenomenon in order to intensify actions of fight and prevention,” highlighted Chantal Jouanno. For her, bringing together all forms of discrimination allows for “a broad vision of discrimination.”
Each action retains its identity. The 2001 anti-discrimination law links all forms of discrimination. How to fight against discrimination? While the Minister of Sports mentioned the possibility of sanctions, she emphasized prevention and education for young people, arguing that it is often “ignorance that breeds intolerance.”
Announced as early as January, the establishment of this committee comes at a timely moment after the football quota affair: “This supports my desire to place the issue of sports values at the heart of my policy,” said Chantal Jouanno.
Thus, continuity at the Ministry of Sports. On the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Chantal Jouanno announced that the Charter against Homophobia announced on May 17, 2010, by Rama Yade—and launched in October—has been signed by 38 federations.
The anti-discrimination committee will offer a first “progress report” in September.
