That the Parliament recognises Jake Daniels, of Blackpool FC, coming out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer; acknowledges that this is a historic moment for LGBT+ representation in professional men's football as he is the first professional player in the UK to do so since Justin Fashanu, who came out in 1990, and tragically took his own life in 1998; notes that Jake Daniels has said that he is "confident and happy to be himself finally" and has spoken about his "determination to drive change" and be a "role model" by coming out; further acknowledges the support that Jake has received from across football and wider society, including from Gary Lineker, England captain, Harry Kane, and the football equality and inclusion campaign Kick it Out; believes that the courage shown by Jake is inspiring; looks forward to the day when everyone feels safe and supported to be themselves in sport, particularly in football, here in Scotland and internationally, and stands against homophobia and all forms of discrimination in the game loved by a diverse range of fans the world over.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Jackie Baillie, Neil Bibby, Siobhian Brown, Stephanie Callaghan, Jackson Carlaw, Bob Doris, Sharon Dowey, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Kenneth Gibson, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, Michael Marra, Stuart McMillan, Carol Mochan, Audrey Nicoll, Colin Smyth, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Evelyn Tweed, Mercedes Villalba, Martin Whitfield