 Getty Images) "The government should be challenging FIFA on how they've put fans in this position, and ensuring the full safety of all fans attending, not defending discriminatory values." It comes after veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell said he was arrested after staging the first LGBT protest in the country to highlight its human rights abuses in the run-up to the sporting event. Mr Cleverly told LBC radio: "I haven't spoken with the government of Qatar in direct response to Peter Tatchell, but my understanding is that he was questioned, that he was supported by the FCDO's consular team. "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. "They want to make sure that football fans are safe, secure and enjoy themselves, and they know that that means they){kind=link}
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said lesbian, gay, bi and transgender football fans should show “a little bit of flex” and “be respectful of the host nation” of Qatar, where gay sex is illegal
The Tory Foreign Secretary has been branded “shockingly tone deaf” after urging LGBT football fans to “compromise” at the World Cup in Qatar.
James Cleverly said Brits visiting the country – where gay sex is illegal – should show “a little bit of flex” and “be respectful of the host nation”.
Mr Cleverly’s comments reflect Foreign Office advice to UK travellers, which says “homosexual behaviour is illegal in Qatar” and “any intimacy” between even opposite-sex couples can lead to arrest.
But it comes two days after Keir Starmer said he will not attend the World Cup even if England make it to the final due to Qatar’s human rights record.