Gpa and wgpa back yes vote in marriage referendum

The decision by the GPA to support the campaign was taken independently by the Association following consultation with the GPA’s National Executive and the wider membership. GPA members were consulted two months ago with information about the Referendum and last week the membership was canvassed regarding the GPA’s public stance on the issue. The result of that player poll was an overwhelming endorsement – by a ratio of six to one – in favour of the GPA supporting the Yes Campaign.

Commenting on the GPA’s decision chief executive Dessie Farrell said: “The decision to support the YesEquality Campaign was very much directed by the GPA membership who provided a powerful mandate for action. Of course there are differing views within the playing body as there are in society in general but we believe that by endorsing the Yes campaign we are providing active representation for our players while also acting in accordance with our principles as an organisation.”

Working in the same context as the GPA, the WGPA Executive consulted members on providing public support for the Marriage Referendum.  Members indicated that they were very much in favour of the WGPA taking a definitive stance on this debate with 97% in favour of a statement of support from the association for marriage equality. 

WGPA Chairperson Aoife Lane commented: “The WGPA is committed to achieving equality for women in sport and in this instance, is keen to support marriage equality for women and men.  The WGPA is working to help members achieve happiness and fulfilment on and off the field; a Yes vote provides a further opportunity for all players as well as family members and friends to achieve this.”

The GPA is acutely aware that there are differing opinions within the membership and encourages all members to support their individual principles on May 22. However, the Association leadership felt that the issue of Marriage Equality was of serious importance to an organisation representing young athletes and thus required action on its part. It was also considered essential that, in the context of the debate, the GPA would stand by its guiding principles of diversity, commitment, compassion and transparency.

As a prominent Association in Irish public life, the GPA is frequently canvassed for views and opinions on social matters outside of the sporting domain. For example, over the past 12 months we have played a significant and valuable role in the public debate on mental health in Ireland. The forthcoming Marriage Equality Referendum is another such issue and a number of GPA members have already taken a public stand on the matter.

Across the sporting world the values of equality and diversity are embraced as essential qualities while elite athletes are seen as critical role models in the promotion of these important beliefs.

The Marriage Equality Referendum was initially discussed by the GPA National Executive and while the Executive members felt it was crucial that the players’ body remained apolitical in any public debate, it was important that members were given an active voice on important societal issues.

The GPA and WGPA are independent organisations and remain non party political. The proposal enshrined in the Referendum was drafted by the Constitutional Convention with the input of citizens outside of the political sphere and the GPA and WGPA are supporting the principle of equality inherent in a Yes Vote.