«Josh Cavallo would be welcome in Qatar, no one is insecure from us. But public displays of affection, which are frowned upon, should be avoided. It is the only indication to be respected, otherwise everyone can live their own life “. Grappling with the controversy for human rights, the organizing committee of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, through its executive director Nasser al Khater, responds to the Australian footballer who came out last month by adding that he would be “afraid to go and play” the first World in an Arab country, where homosexuality is potentially punishable by death.
In recent days, the British association Kick It Out accused BeIn Sport, the Qatari TV broadcaster, of fueling homophobia for inviting Muslim Premier League footballers to boycott the rainbow laces initiative as homosexuality is “incompatible” with Islam. Al Khater, interviewed by CNN and the Independent, spoke about the rights situation in view of the next World Cup, adding that “homosexuals can come to Qatar like any other fan – and they can behave like any other person. What I am saying, simply, is that from the point of view of the perception of affectivity in public, ours is a conservative society ».
According to sharia law, homosexuality is also punishable by death, but human rights associations point out that there is no evidence of death sentences carried out for this reason. Gay marriages, civil unions and propaganda are prohibited in any case. “We know that the World Cup is a possible stage for protests on these issues, but we are not worried,” concluded Al Khater.