A bisexual country football trainer is at risk of losing his home due to his inability to gain employment since he was publicly outed as bisexual.

In October, MCV reported on the story of Mansfield resident, Ken Campagnolo, who claimed that the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) refused to re-employ him as a Project Fire Fighter because of his sexual orientation. However, Mr Campagnolo’s case was not upheld by the Victorian Civil Administrate Tribunal (VCAT).

As a result of the attendant media attention, the Bonnie Doon Football Club cut their ties with Mr Campagnolo.

Mr Campagnolo has not found work since May this year, and was recently served notice by his bank, which intends to repossess his property, as he is no longer able to meet repayments.

“You have to remember this is a small town, and news travels fast, so everyone within a 300km radius knows my story now, and they don’t want anything to do with me,” Mr Campagnolo told MCV.

Australian law states that it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of suggested or assumed sexual orientation.

Ms Debbie Simms, Manager of the Australian Sports Commission’s Sports Ethics Unit, told MCV that, “We try to educate sports that they have a legal, moral and ethical obligation to not discriminate because of sexual orientation.”

According to Mr Campagnolo, he faces eviction within the week.

“This is my family home. I have slept in the same bed since I was a kid. I have lived here all my life and was going to die here. I don’t know what I will do now,” he said.

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