The Pink Times
Aa
  • Home
  • World News
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
  • Activism
  • Media
  • Law
  • Politics
  • Health
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Drag
    • Books
    • Entertainment
    • Drag
    • Fashion
    • History
    • Love
    • People
    • Photography
    • Religion
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Sports
  • People
Reading: British minister tells gay World Cup fans to ‘be respectful’
Share
Aa
The Pink Times
Search
  • Home
  • World News
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
  • Activism
  • Media
  • Law
  • Politics
  • Health
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Drag
    • Books
    • Entertainment
    • Drag
    • Fashion
    • History
    • Love
    • People
    • Photography
    • Religion
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Sports
  • People
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
The Pink Times > World News > United Kingdom > British minister tells gay World Cup fans to ‘be respectful’
PoliticsSportsUnited Kingdom

British minister tells gay World Cup fans to ‘be respectful’

The Pink Times
The Pink Times October 27, 2022
Updated 2022/10/27 at 10:02 AM
Share
James Cleverly the Foreign Secretary arrives for a Cabinet meeting, the first held by the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in London, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. Sunak was elected by the ruling Conservative party to replace Liz Truss who resigned. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON (AP) — British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly faced criticism Wednesday after telling gay soccer fans heading to the World Cup in Qatar that they should show some “compromise” and be “respectful of the host nation.”

The comments were quickly disavowed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office, while a senior figure in the opposition Labour party called them “shockingly tone deaf.”

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Homosexual activity is criminalized in Qatar and Cleverly was asked about the issue in the wake of British activist Peter Tatchell being questioned by police after holding a one-man protest in front of Qatar’s National Museum, holding up a sign accusing the country of jailing members of the LGBTQ community.

“I have spoken to the Qatari authorities in the past about gay football fans going to watch the World Cup and how they will treat our fans and international fans,” Cleverly told LBC Radio. “They want to make sure that football fans are safe, secure and enjoy themselves, and they know that that means they are going to have to make some compromises in terms of what is an Islamic country with a very different set of cultural norms to our own.

“One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation. They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”

Qatar has said all are welcome at the World Cup, including LGBTQ fans, but that visitors should respect the country’s conservative culture, in which public displays of affection — even among heterosexuals — is taboo.

Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for adults convicted of consensual gay or lesbian sex. European soccer federations last month announced their intention for captains to wear an armband with a rainbow heart design as part of an anti-discrimination campaign during international matches.

Downing Street quickly rejected Cleverly’s language, saying that people should not have to “compromise who they are.”

Opposition parties also criticised Cleverly’s comments, with SNP Westminster deputy leader Kirsten Oswald tweeting: “Foreign Secretary seems in essence to be advising people travelling to the World Cup in Qatar to show some respect and not be gay. This is abhorrent.”

Labour shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell said: “This is shockingly tone deaf from James Cleverly. Sport should be open to all. Many fans will feel they can’t attend this tournament to cheer on their team because of Qatar’s record on human, workers, and LGBT+ rights.”

TAGGED: James Cleverly, London, Qatar World Cup

Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts and more!
Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
The Pink Times October 27, 2022
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit VKontakte Telegram Email
Share

Latest Articles

NSFW: Joan Crisol’s Mesmerizing Portraits of Eric Romaguera for Code 22
Photography
Iceland Supermarket CEO Retracts HIV Needle Attack Claims, Faces Criticism
Money United Kingdom
Australia to Host ‘Swiftposium,’ World’s First Conference on Taylor Swift’s Global Impact
Asia Pacific Music
Country Singer Adam Mac Drops Out of Kentucky Festival Amid LGBTQ+ Controversy
Music
Baldur’s Gate 3: The Queerest RPG Delighting Gamers Worldwide
Gaming

Most Viewed Posts

  • Hot Photos from Paul’s Book “Larrikin Prince” Unleashed
  • A Shift in Perspective: The Art of Male Nude Photography
  • Vintage Nude Mormon Bodybuilders: Unveiling the Forbidden Past of Utah’s Physique Models
  • Hot and Sexy: A Visual Exploration of Masculine Bravado and Regal Splendor
  • The Ginger Sensation of RuPaul’s Drag Race: A Tribute to Bryce Eilenberg
  • About
  • Partner with Us: Reach Our LGBTQ Community
  • Subscribe to LGBTQ+ news and updates
The Pink Times
Follow US

All rights reserved

News. Culture. Tea.

Must-read stories we're talking about across our community. Sign up for The Pink Times newsletter

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?