Simon Barnes evaluates Gareth Thomas' admission that he is gay against the backdrop of the wider world of sport in The Times.
"Sport certainly takes its time about things. At least, when it comes to sexuality. We live in a world in which endless conundrums and variations of sexual behaviour are forever in front of us, in a thousand different areas of public life. It’s only when it comes to sport that things get all difficult and old-fashioned.
"You can be a gay MP, or a gay vicar. You can be quietly or flamboyantly gay, according to choice, and still present television programmes. You can be a living national treasure and your status is not even remotely compromised by your sexuality.
"We live in a time when civil partnerships between same-sex couples are not only sanctioned by law, they raise few eyebrows when they take place. Just the usual sort of rejoicing. What was illegal half a century ago is now not only legal: it is no big deal.
"Except in sport. That is why it is both right and necessary to praise the courage of Gareth Thomas, the most capped player in the history of Welsh rugby, who has chosen to come out. It is not his courage that is troubling: it is the fact that courage was necessary."
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