German Chancellor Angela Merkel is
calling on an unidentified gay soccer player to reveal his identity.
The professional athlete, who discussed
his sexuality in an interview on the condition of anonymity,
reportedly plays for Germany's top league, the Bundesliga.
He suggested that fans would reject a
gay player, citing the need to “put on an act” to match the
expectations of fans. He added that his sexuality was an open secret
in the locker room, and that “none of them had a problem” with
it.
Merkel gave her opinion on the matter
during a news conference on Thursday, The
New York Times reported.
“I'm of the opinion that anyone who
has the strength and bravery to do it – we in politics have been
down this road – should know that he lives in a country where he
should not have to be afraid,” Merkel said. “That there is still
fear out there, because of the particular context, is something we
have to take into account, but we can give a signal: 'You don't need
to be afraid.'”