“We Can’t Change Our Religion Because Of World Cup,” Qatar Sends Message To LGBTQ Community

To avoid harassment for supporting gay rights, LGBTQ couples and activists have been advised not to showcase their lifestyle or rainbow flags at the World Cup in Qatar.

Rainbow flags could be removed from supporters at the World Cup, according to a senior official supervising security for the event.

Despite the fact that same-sex relationships are still illegal in Qatar, Major General Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari emphasized that LGBTQ couples would be welcomed and accepted in the country during the FIFA World Cup, which runs from November 21 to December 18.

Al Ansari, on the other hand, is opposed to openly promoting LGBTQ rights, as symbolized by the rainbow flag, which FIFA and World Cup organizers had previously stated would be welcome across Qatar’s eight stadiums.

He said, “If he (a fan) raised the rainbow flag and I took it from him, it’s not because I really want to, really, take it, to really insult him, but to protect him.

“Because if it’s not me, somebody else around him might attack (him) … I cannot guarantee the behaviour of the whole people. And I will tell him: ‘Please, no need to really raise that flag at this point.’

“You want to demonstrate your view about the (LGBTQ) situation, demonstrate it in a society where it will be accepted.

“We realise that this man got the ticket, comes here to watch the game, not to demonstrate, a political (act) or something which is in his mind.

“Watch the game. That’s good. But don’t really come in and insult the whole society because of this.”

In reaction to Al Ansari’s statement, fans and anti-discrimination activists were outraged and criticised the warning.

In a joint statement, Julia Ehrt of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association and Ronain Evain of Football Supporters Europe said, “Often, so-called ‘protections’ are in fact smokescreens to cover up human rights violations.

“FIFA and Qatar must address these concerns immediately, and show the world there is a chance of carrying out a rights-respecting and safe tournament for LGBTQ fans.”

Al Ansari then clarified that he was not advising LBGTQ fans to avoid Qatar or threatening them with prosecution.

He said, “Reserve the room together, sleep together — this is something that’s not in our concern. We are here to manage the tournament. Let’s not go beyond, the individual personal things which might be happening between these people … this is actually the concept.

“Here we cannot change the laws. You cannot change the religion for 28 days of the World Cup.

“I am risking … a minority view against a majority.

“We have to be close to the problem before it erupts and gets out of control. … If somebody attacks you, then I have to get involved and it will be too late.”