LGBTQ+ Safety Should Be Considered In Awarding Hosting Rights, Says Josh Cavallo
October 17, 2022Australia's first active male professional footballer to come out as gay, Josh Cavallo, said a country's stance on LGBTQ+ rights should be considered before awarding hosting rights for a major sporting event.
He said he would be “scared” to play at the World Cup in Qatar, where gay sex is a criminal offence. Cavallo has yet to receive a call-up to Australia's senior squad.
The 2018 World Cup was held in Russia. A “gay propaganda” law, passed in 2013, has been used to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists.
“I vow to stand up for the LGBTQ athletes and the fans at the World Cup in Qatar, who can't live openly, authentically. Qatar, FIFA, the world is watching,” Cavallo said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. "I urge sport leaders to consider our rights, our safety while choosing host countries for World Cups and other competitions. We must do better.”
Nasser Al Khater, the chief executive of the 2022 World Cup, has said LGBTQ+ fans coming into the country would not have to worry about “persecution of any sort”, and described Qatar as a “tolerant country.”
The World Cup begins on November 20 and runs through to December 18.
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Gay Footballer Josh Cavallo Would Be “Scared” To Play At World Cup In Qatar
England Footballer Harry Kane Backs LGBTQ+ Fans Ahead Of Qatar World Cup
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