UK Foreign Secretary says Qatar has taken ‘real steps’ to protect gay fans
“I've made it clear that we feel very strongly about this issue," James Cleverly says.
The UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has claimed Qatar has taken “real steps” to protect gay fans at the World Cup.
Cleverly has shared he’s had “difficult conversations” with Qatari counterparts about gay rights that have been “brought up over a number of years” in preparation for the event.
The lead-up to the World Cup has been overshadowed by the fact homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable with prison sentences and even a death sentence.
The advocacy group Human Rights Watch recently reported that six LGBTQ Qataris had been beaten and sexually harassed while in police custody. These reports were denied by Qatar.
“I’ve made it clear that we feel very strongly about this issue and actually one of the advantages about having a strong relationship with other countries is you can have these difficult conversations,” Cleverly has told the BBC.
“The Qataris know how seriously we take this issue and they have taken real steps to ensure that gay football fans are safe and do feel secure and can enjoy the football,” he added.
Cleverly was then asked whether he thought fans should openly wear rainbow accessories and he said that “rules for what goes on in the stadia” were a separate matter for FIFA and football authorities.
Poking fun at the Foreign Secretary, Big Boys comedian Jack Rooke jokingly tweeted “give them back!!!” with an image of British pop group Steps.
Previously, Cleverly frustrated LGBTQ+ fans with his statement that they should be “respectful” of Qatar’s anti-homosexuality laws at the World Cup.
“I think with a little bit of flexibility and compromise on both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup,” he continued.
The 2022 World Cup has faced mounting and continued pressure surrounding the country’s stance on acceptance.
Plans for the captains of nine nations, including England, to wear the One Love armband were scrapped last minute over the potential of imposed sanctions.
However, Alex Scott defied FIFA and wore a One Love armband during BBC World Cup coverage.
The FIFA World Cup will be held until 18 December 2022.