Sep 21st, 2017

Sep 21st, 2017

NRL Footy Show host Erin Molan has responded to the marriage equality debate rocking Aussie sporting codes following a public backlash against the AFL's support of the 'Yes' campaign.

Speaking on Today, Molan explained her conflicted feelings on the issue, saying that though she is behind the LGBTIQ community, she does not believe sporting organisations should be so vocal about the postal plebiscite to legalise same-sex marriage.

"I'm a very, very passionate and proud supporter of marriage equality. I've made it very public that I will and actually have the other day voted 'Yes' already," Molan said.

"But I represent me, just me and no-one else. The AFL and our other sporting codes represent hundreds and thousands of people, some of whom unfortunately don't agree with me. I wish every Australian believed in marriage equality, I genuinely do. But the reality of the situation is, they don't, in fact a fairly large proportion of them don't."

Molan's comments come as the AFL's positive marriage equality stance has caused a divide in the sporting community. After AFL House changed its logo on the building to 'YES' and flew a rainbow flag outside the building, AFL Footy Show hosts Sam Newman and Eddie McGuire engaged in a heated debate over the topic on Thursday night, prompting Molan to enter the discussion on Friday.

Newman attacks AFL over same-sex marriage

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"I respect everyone's right to have an opinion and to express it. I didn't go out of my way to criticise the AFL's move. I was asked on air about it and responded honestly that it does make me uncomfortable," Molan said.

"I love sport because it has this incredible ability to unify, so whilst I agree with the position of the AFL I also believe their actions are unnecessarily divisive and so much of the response to it has been nasty and vile, much like this whole debate.

"I hate the thought of so many people I love in same-sex relationships being exposed to all of this, I really do. Just as I don't want people who feel strongly on the other side of the debate to feel polarised and excluded.

"I agree this issue shouldn't be political, but it has become political, that's just unfortunate. We've got a massive weekend of brilliant finals footy coming up and the focus on sport should be on that."

AFL House was evacuated on Thursday following a hoax bomb threat, though the league could not confirm it was a direct result of their support for marriage equality.