Saudi Arabia’s official tourism website, visitsaudi.com, now welcomes LGBT visitors to the country, stating that “everyone is welcome to visit Saudia Arabia and visitors are not asked to disclose such personal details.” However, while this announcement may seem like a step forward for the country’s LGBTQ+ community, Saudi Arabia remains one of the least-welcome places for LGBTQ+ people in the world.
Saudi Arabia has some of the strictest anti-LGBTQ+ laws globally, with same-sex sexual acts and identifying as LGBTQ+ punishable by death, lifetime prison sentences, flogging, and chemical castration. Marriage equality is not recognized, and there are no protections in the workplace or society for members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to Equaldex, Saudi Arabia receives a 13 rating out of 100 on its Equality Index, with a zero out of 100 for LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s official tourism website welcoming LGBT visitors, Saudi Arabian society is deeply conservative and unsupportive of the LGBTQ+ community. An ILGA report found that 58 percent of Saudi society opposes marriage equality, and 49 percent believe homosexuality should be a crime.
In recent years, the Saudi government has attempted to promote a more tolerant image of the country to the world. However, critics argue that these efforts are mere lip service and that the reality on the ground remains oppressive for LGBTQ+ people. While the website’s statement that unmarried couples are welcome in the country is also a step forward, it is important to respect local customs and act in a culturally appropriate manner.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s official tourism website’s announcement that it welcomes LGBT visitors is a notable development. However, it is crucial to remember that the country’s LGBTQ+ community still faces severe discrimination and persecution. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to present a more tolerant image must be accompanied by meaningful changes to the country’s laws and social attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.