British Foreign Secretary Tells LGBTQ+ Football Fans To Be Cautious

James Cleverly, the British Foreign Secretary, has told LGBTQ+ football fans travelling to Qatar to “respect the law” of the host country. The foreign secretary spoken as he defended attending the tournament.

While Cleverly said he understood why some people were uncomfortable with Qatar holding the event, which begins on November 20, he said it was “my job to make sure those people who do visit stay safe.”

Tournament organizers have warned against public displays of affection, yet have also said that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome. Concerns have been raised given that same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.

According to the Guardian, Cleverly said he had spoken to the Qataris about their legislation on homosexuality. He told MPs on the foreign affairs committee that while “we would always promote not just tolerance, but a real embracement of diversity”, the “default setting” for any Briton travelling overseas should be to “respect the laws of their host countries”.

Challenged over his own attendance by the Labour backbencher Chris Bryant, who is gay, Cleverly said he was going “for a number of reasons […] Because I’m the foreign secretary and it is my job to ensure British visitors stay safe,” he said.

“I’ve visited Qatar in the lead-up to the World Cup, and when I get to the World Cup I will be speaking to the security authorities to ensure that English and Welsh – or whatever other British fans might be going to the World Cup – remain safe.”

Cleverly added: “I understand there will be people uncomfortable with Qatar hosting the World Cup, I get that – but my job is to make sure those people who do visit stay safe.”

Bryant said he did not think anyone should be attending the World Cup “apart from the teams” and said gay men in Qatar had been entrapped by police and sent to prison.

Alicia Kearns, a Tory MP and the new chair of the foreign affairs committee, said Cleverly should be more robust about telling Fifa that “we expect to see an end of the giving of World Cups to … countries where our people are fundamentally unsafe.”

Read related myGwork articles here:

MP Luke Pollard: World Cup “Not Safe” For LGBTQ+ People

US Soccer Team To Use Pride Logo At World Cup

World Cup Ambassador: Homosexuality Is “Damage In The Mind”

England Star Beth Mead: “No Respect” In Qatar Ahead Of World Cup

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