Qatar fails to ensure safety for LGBTQIA+ fans planning to attend FIFA World The Cup 2022 is scheduled to take place in the month of November. As a result, major LGBTQIA+ organizations are advocating for travel to the Arab country for the tournament. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable in Qatar. According to the laws, homosexuality can be punished with up to three years in prison and in some cases the death penalty.
Amid preparations for the World Cup in a highly conservative environment, The Guardian presented a set of questions to the organizing committee in Qatar, raising concerns for the LGBTQIA+ community. These questions focused on potential discrimination based on sexuality, accommodation in hotels and other perks. The officials could not give a satisfactory answer.
Instead, a general response was issued that read, “All will be welcome in Qatar in 2022, regardless of their race, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. We are a relatively conservative society – eg. For, public displays of affection are not part of our culture. We believe in mutual respect and so when everyone is welcome, what do we expect in return for respecting our culture and traditions.”
FIFA issued an advisory last month instructing hotels listed on the official list to welcome their guests without discrimination or it would result in the termination of the contract. “The hotels, as well as any other service providers associated with the FIFA World Cup, who fail to comply with the high standards set by the organisers, will have their contracts terminated,” the official statement said.
According to a recent survey by Scandinavian media, three out of a total of 69 hotels on FIFA’s list of recommended accommodations were against allowing same-sex couples to enter. Twenty hotels allowed accommodation but on condition that couples would not publicly show that they were gay. Other hotels had no problem providing accommodation for the LGBTQIA+ community.
It’s been almost two years since there was discussion about the safety of LGBTQIA+. Qatari officials have not yet given a clear security assurance in the matter.
read all breaking news , today’s fresh news watch top videos And live TV Here.