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Major League Soccer OKs steps to protect gay players from discrimination

Major League Soccer OKs steps to protect gay players from discrimination

ALBANY, N.Y. — Major League Soccer has agreed to new measures to protect gay players from discrimination and harassment following similar steps by Major League Baseball and the NFL.

Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay male athlete to play in a U.S. professional league on May 26, 2013, making his Major League Soccer debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay male athlete to play in a U.S. professional league on May 26, 2013, making his Major League Soccer debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The efforts are aimed at reinforcing the soccer league’s policies against discrimination. They include expanded sensitivity training for players, a central complaint system and locker-room postings of a conduct code.

The MLS measures came after meetings with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. His office reached agreements in this matter with the NFL and baseball. He says workplace harassment and discrimination won’t be tolerated in major league sports.

MLS spokesman Dan Courtemanche confirmed the agreement announced by Schneiderman on Thursday in Manhattan.

The league has 600 players and 19 teams, including three in Canada. It recently began its 2014-15 season.

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