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May
13, 2009
New
York Sports Anti-Discrimination Bill One Step
Closer To Becoming Law
"Dubai Tennis Tournament Bill" Passes Key Committee In Legislature
The Equal Playing Field Act (A.
7020/S.3932), authored by Assemblyman Rory Lancman and State Senator
Toby Ann Stavisky in response to the United Arab Emirates' decision
earlier this year to bar Israeli tennis champion Shahar Peer from the
Women's Tennis Association's Dubai Tournament, passed the State
Assemby's Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee today.
If enacted, the Equal Playing Field Act would prohibit prohibit
professional sporting events in New York sponsored or sanctioned by an
organization whose events discriminate against teams or players based on
race, religion, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation.
"Athletics should unify people across divides, and sporting events
should not be used as venues for prejudice. The Equal Playing Field Act
makes it clear that organizations that are complicit in discrimination
against athletes should understand that they are not welcome in New
York," said Assemblyman Lancman.
"Sports
should offer an opportunity to unite players and fans in appreciation of
the game, not divide based on discrimination. I am proud to support
this legislation in the Senate, and hope that New York State will lead
the way in weeding discrimination out of the playing field," Said
Senator Stavisky.
Assemblyman Lancman and Senator Stavisky announced the Equal Playing
Field in February at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing
Meadows-Corona Park, where they also denounced the UAE's discrimination:
http://vimeo.com/3284910
More information on the Equal Playing Field Act is available here:
www.nyad25.org/equalplayingfield.htm
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