Dutch Soccer Star Joins Ranks of Athletes Refusing LGBTQ+ Gear
A Dutch soccer star joins the ranks of athletes refusing to wear LGBTQ+-themed gear because of his religious beliefs.
Outsports reports: "Orkun Kokcu, a rising soccer star playing in the Netherlands, refused to wear a rainbow armband last week to support LGBTQ people. Add another one to the list."
Like others who refuse to wear LGBTQ+ gear, Kokcu claims a religious exemption.
The British tabloid the Daily Mirror writes: "Teams in the Eredivisie were encouraged to wear the 'OneLove' armband over the weekend, as it contains the same rainbow-infused design which England captain Harry Kane will don during the World Cup in Qatar next month in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people.
"But Kokcu refused his usual responsibility for their Eredivisie fixture, instead giving Austrian defender Gernot Trauner the opportunity to promote diversity. In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, shortly before kick-off, Kokcu said: 'I have decided not to wear the rainbow captain's armband this round.'"
He explained his decision: "I think it's important to emphasize that I respect everyone regardless of religion, background or preference. I believe that everyone is free to do what they want or feel. I fully understand the importance of this action, but because of my religious beliefs, I don't feel the right person to support this.
"That's why I don't feel comfortable wearing this captain's armband. I can imagine some people are disappointed with this. That is absolutely not my intention, although I realize that I may not immediately be able to take away that feeling with these words. But I hope that my choice for religious reasons will also be respected."
Outsports adds that in recent months, a troubling number of athletes have refused to wear rainbow Pride uniforms. Most notably, multiple members of the Tampa Bay Rays pitching staff didn't wear a rainbow insignia on their uniforms during Pride Night.