The largest LGBT+ rights organisation in Europe has sent a letter to FIFA after the World Cup.
Stonewall, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity in the United Kingdom, wrote to the governing body to highlight the “importance of global human rights and making sport welcoming for all”. The charity claims the LGBTQ+ community were “excluded from one of the most important sporting events in the world”, simply because of who they are.
It hopes that come 2030 this will change and the LGBTQ+ community and its allies can stand “proudly together” with the rest of the world.
READ MORE: Desperate mum living in rat infested house breaks down in tears
The charity’s action comes after more than 60,000 people joined its Proud Stadium - a virtual stadium “filled with supporters of LGBTQ+ rights, coming together to shine a light on the injustices that our communities face in Qatar, and in many more countries around the world”.
Under Qatari laws, LGBTQ+ people don't have equal rights: same-sex relationships are criminalised, and trans people are forced to undergo conversion therapy clinics sponsored by the government. Many LGBTQ+ people suffer imprisonment and violence simply for being themselves, and in some cases, could even face the death penalty.
Stonewall said even though the tournament is now over “we have to keep up the conversation for LGBTQ+ people everywhere and for future generations”.
The letter reads: “Over the past month, we have watched our national teams play in a country where our community is not even allowed to exist freely, because, in Qatar, it is illegal to be lesbian, gay, bisexual trans or queer (LGBTQ+). Our community has been excluded from one of the most important sporting events in the world, simply because of who we are.
“The World Cup is a testament to the unique power that football has, to bring people from all walks of life together. No one should be excluded from being part of it, whether a player or a fan. That’s why it matters when major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup are held in countries where many are unsafe and unable to be themselves.”
The letter details examples of discrimination the community faced during the coveted football tournament including when fans were told to remove rainbow hats, flags and t-shirts and the OneLove armband controversy.
It added: “With several countries currently bidding to hose the Men’s World Cup in 2030, we call on FIFA to award the tournament to states that uphold global human rights standards and are committed to the freedom and dignity of all. We call upon you to seize this moment as a leader and to do the right thing so that in 2030 we can proudly stand together.”
The charity is encouraging the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to keep the conversation going in solidarity.
Receive our weekly LGBTQIA+ newsletter by signing up here .
READ NEXT:
- Masked men storm Royal Mail depot and steal parcels days before Christmas
- Merseyrail could expand to more destinations after new trains tested
- 'Caring' woman, 32, dies after house fire as fiancé fights for life
- CCTV appeal after brazen burglar broke into house and went upstairs in broad daylight
- Where the stars of Merseyside sitcom Watching are now - from Hollywood to EastEnders
