“Guidelines” .. This is how Qatar will treat homosexuals and intimate kisses on the streets

Agency indicatedBloombergHe indicated that Qatar will allow the raising of LGBT pride flags and peaceful demonstrations, as well as kissing in public, during the time it hosts the FIFA World Cup.

The US agency said an introductory presentation by the International Football Association “FIFA” shows detailed procedures for the police on how to deal with the different cases.

Induction directs security personnel to practice “less interference and more mediation” and “tolerance of behavior that does not threaten physical integrity or property.”

In particular, police officers cannot approach, detain or pursue people who raise rainbow flags or disturb crowds and sing in the streets.

The presentation, as seen by Bloomberg, also calls on security forces to leave protesters alone unless they create a “security problem”.

A Qatari government representative declined to comment. A FIFA spokesman also declined to comment on the US agency.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Delivery and Inheritance Committee, the local World Cup organizing committee, said they were aware of the offer, but said they have not developed or approved its content.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on November 20 and runs until December 18, as Qatar is the first Arab and Islamic country to hold the largest sporting event.

Qatar expects to receive more than 1.2 million fans during the World Cup.

The regulations may still change before the World Cup begins on November 20, but if implemented they would mark a political shift for Qatar, which has faced criticism from activists, players and foreign government officials for its human rights record. , especially LGBT people.

The Qatari government had previously promised it would welcome visitors of any sexual orientation, as long as they adhere to a general rule against showing affection for another person in public, which also applies to heterosexual couples.

The presentation describes the guidelines as being in line with the Safety and Security Operations Committee, an entity made up of officials from FIFA and the Qatari Ministry of the Interior created to manage security during the tournament.

Although the organizers have insisted on welcoming people of all nationalities, religions and sexual orientations to this global event, they have previously refrained from giving details on how they treat those who do not respect the laws and customs of the country.

The presentation outlines a four-tier category of offenses, with sanctions including inaction, warning, fine and prosecution.

It also refers to an online portal for reporting human rights complaints.

In addition, women will be able to receive health care during pregnancy, regardless of their marital status, and documents state that “law enforcement can only intervene if there is a suspicion of sexual violence or assault on women”.

Qatar prohibits sexual intercourse outside of marriage, which means that women who have children out of wedlock could risk imprisonment.

According to the show, drunk audiences won’t face legal action unless they’re driving or committing other crimes while drunk.

“Viewers who take off their clothes to reveal their genitals may be asked to get dressed,” the document states.