Qatar’s treatment of incoming members of the LGBQT community for the World Cup has been a hot topic in recent months.
The UK’s foreign secretary has encouraged LGBTQ football fans traveling to Qatar for the World Cup to ‘compromise’ and ‘respect the host country’.
An official told LBC Radio about the treatment of gay fans who wish to travel to the mega-tournament with Qatar authorities in the past, and was reassured that all fans would be safe and secure.
“They want football fans to feel safe and secure and that’s some compromise in terms of what it’s like to be a Muslim country with cultural norms that are very different from ours. I know that means I have to do my thing,” he said.
“One thing I would say to football fans is please respect the host country. With compromises, I think it will be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”
But the office of the country’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, immediately retracted the remarks, and prominent members of the opposition Labor Party called them “surprisingly tone-deaf”.
The tactful comment came in light of British activist Peter Tatchel being questioned by police after he staged a one-man protest in front of Qatar’s National Museum.
Activists falsely claimed that they were arrested and detained by local authorities during the protests.
The Doha News spoke to Tatchell privately at the site of the protest shortly after police left.
He told Doha News he stood outside NMoQ for 35 minutes until the National Guard arrived. When asked if he was taken away or handcuffed, he replied no.
Asked about his nationality and his travels to Qatar, Tatchel said, “The officers were polite and I appreciate that.
His move has been described by local campaigners as a “public stunt” to draw negative attention to the country, and several Western media outlets have deployed fake news without fact-checking. I’m here.
The incident was the same as Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani lamented the “unfair” media coverage of the Gulf states, saying that “other host countries” had never faced this level of criticism. occurred on the day
“Since winning the honor of hosting the World Cup, Qatar has faced an unprecedented campaign unlike any other host nation. have responded in good faith,” Sheikh Tamim told the Shula Council on Tuesday.
Guarantee from Qatar
Ever since Qatar was recognized as the region’s first FIFA World Cup host, the topic of how the Gulf countries treat the LGBTQ+ community has become a hot topic in the Western media.
Despite continued criticism, officials insist everyone is welcome across the board, but urged fans to respect the country’s culture and traditions.
Most recently, World Cup Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater spoke to Sky News about the issue, insisting that no one will face discrimination during the 29-day tournament.
“At the end of the day, as long as you don’t do anything that harms others, if you don’t destroy public property, if you behave harmlessly, everyone is welcome. There’s nothing to worry about.” Al Khater said.
Gulf states maintain anti-LGBTQ+ laws, but Al Khater has assured gay fans that they can hold hands.
“This is a sporting event that people want to come to. [to] and have fun. I don’t think it’s appropriate for sport to turn it into a platform for political statements,” Al Hatel said.
“All we ask is for people to respect the culture,” he said, adding that “from what he understands,” there would be discussions about the political message at the tournament.
In May, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said “everyone is welcome in Doha” when asked about the attendance of members of the LGBTQ community at the World Cup. rice field.
“We will not stop people from different backgrounds, different beliefs coming to Doha. Qatar is a very welcoming country,” the emir told reporters during his visit to Berlin.
Sheikh Tamim added that Qatar has already welcomed “millions” of visitors and that the World Cup will be a “perfect opportunity” for people around the world to experience Qatari culture.
“We welcome all but expect and want people to respect our culture,” the Qatari leader said.
