Homosexuality being illegal in this Gulf State, numerous associations of supporters and federations, led by Norway, were worried about the fate of LGBT+visitors.
Le Monde
On the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly, which opened Tuesday, September 20 in New York, the Emir of Qatar Cheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thanii said that his country will welcome all supporters “without Discrimination “at the World Football which will take place from November 20 to December 18.
Homosexuality being illegal in this Gulf State, many supporters of supporters and federations, led by Norway, were worried about the fate of LGBT+visitors. While calls for the boycott of the competition are multiplying, to denounce the working conditions on construction sites and the treatment reserved for minorities, the emir assured that “the Qatari people will welcome football fans of all horizons” with open arms ” .
Less than two months from the start of the World Cup, the words of Cheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani thus sound as an attempt to reassure the homosexual and transgender community on the reception that will be made to him in the country. The Qatari people “will open their doors to all supporters, without discrimination, so that they can take advantage of the football games and the extraordinary atmosphere of the tournament,” promised the emir in front of the assembly of world leaders gathered at the ‘ONU.
“We do not believe in public affection demonstrations, but we are also convinced of the need to welcome everyone, whatever their origin,” said the secretary general of the World Cup Committee on Monday on Monday , Hassan Al-Thawadi, at a press conference. For its part, FIFA had reaffirmed the same day as the rainbow flags, symbols of the LGBT+community, would be authorized around the stages.