Sport

World Cup 2022: 'Issues of concern' remain for LGBTIQ+ people in Qatar

LGBTIQ+ organisations engaging with Fifa over the 2022 Qatar World Cup have said "progress has been slow" and "issues of concern" remain.

The 16 groups feel reassurances over the safety of LGBTIQ+ people in the host country "have not been adequate".
They added that if safety reassurances cannot be given they would have to question if the risk facing LGBTIQ+ people wanting to attend is too high.

They also said there had been "a high level of cooperation" from Fifa.

The decision to stage the tournament in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal, has been heavily criticised.
The international coalition of groups representing LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer or questioning) fans has presented eight action points on LGBTIQ+ rights it wants to see implemented by Fifa and the Qatari authorities before the tournament begins on 21 November.

Those measures include repealing laws and regulations which target LGBTIQ+ people and providing safety guarantees against harassment or arrest.

They have also called for appropriate training in dealing with the LGBTIQ+ community, as well as for work to continue to ensure the long-term safety of LGBTIQ+ persons in the region.
 

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