Ulster GAA launches ‘Never Cross The Line #GetConsent’ campaign

Ulster GAA, Ulster Camogie and Ulster LGFA have partnered with White Ribbon NI to promote awareness on consent through its ‘Never Cross The Line #GetConsent’ campaign, launched today at Parliament Buildings, Belfast.

The campaign has been developed as part of the ongoing health & wellbeing and safeguarding work carried out within the GAA in Ulster. In November 2020, Ulster GAA signed the White Ribbon Pledge; to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

In collaboration with White Ribbon NI and through funding from Department of Justice Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) a video campaign has been created for social media, featuring Tyrone Gaelic footballer, Conor McKenna and Antrim Camogie player, Maeve Kelly.

The campaign is aimed at educating and informing young people of the importance of consent, challenging attitudes and beliefs which contradict the consent message, and encouraging the development of mutually respectful, positive relationships.

Speaking at today’s launch, Ulster GAA Provincial Secretary and CEO Brian McAvoy said:

“We are pleased to launch this very pertinent awareness campaign today, alongside our sister organisations Ulster Camogie and Ulster LGFA.

“The GAA is embedded in the community and we recognise the important role we play in bettering the lives of many people. While understanding the need to protect the welfare of our members, we also appreciate that the key message of this campaign is applicable across all of civic society.

“We are very thankful to White Ribbon NI and Department of Justice for their expert advice and support throughout the creation and roll out of this campaign.”

Tahnee McCorry, CEO of White Ribbon NI, reiterated the importance of this work, stating:

“On behalf of White Ribbon NI, I would like to thank the GAA in Ulster for taking these steps to not only educate but inspire a whole new generation with this campaign, which makes it clear that without consent, any kind of sexual activity is a sexual offence. At the very centre of our ethos is our belief that giving young people the information they need about healthy relationships is a step we can all take towards a safer society for everyone.”

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Never Cross the Line’ campaign, Justice Minister Naomi Long said:

“I am pleased that the Department of Justice was able to fund, through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS), this important initiative to address the issue of consent which aims to help raise awareness that sexual consent is essential on every occasion.

“In many ways it is shocking, in 2022 that such a campaign is necessary. Consent cannot be assumed – even being in a relationship with someone does not mean that consent is in place. I commend this proactive approach being taken to raise this serious and sensitive issue.”

As part of the ongoing partnership with White Ribbon NI, Ulster GAA will be able to facilitate workshops for clubs to generate greater awareness & education on the topic of consent. For further information, please contact maura.mcmenamin.ulster@gaa.ie.

The video can be viewed at www.ulster.gaa.ie/health/programmes/nevercrosstheline