fifa world cup 2022

British minister tells gay World Cup fans to 'be respectful'

29 Comments

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29 Comments
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So, British want others to respect their culture and ideas however when somebody calls for them to respect other cultures and show some “compromise” and be “respectful" that is “shockingly tone deaf"?

Discrimination and persecution should receive no respect.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

These issues should have been discussed BEFORE Qatar was awarded the games, not after.

19 ( +21 / -2 )

You need no further proof of the phrase "money talks" than to see the World Cup being held in a country like Qatar.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

Living in Japan, I must respect the host country. Is this not true for this situation as well?

1 ( +13 / -12 )

Qatar being awarded the games in the first place is something I don't agree with. But that is another issue.

However, "When in Rome..." I guess what he is saying is to tone it down a bit and don't openly flaunt yourselves in a suggestive manner to the locals who may be offended. That's fair enough I think. Their country, their customs. I don't agree but there it is.

Just don't come crying if you are locked up for behaving in a manner perceived unbecoming is the warning.

6 ( +14 / -8 )

@David Brent

You need no further proof of the phrase "money talks" than to see the World Cup being held in a country like Qatar.

Amen.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Oil that gushes rivers of money. Money that flows like water. But oil and water don't mix.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I don’t see anything wrong with his comments. Obviously these gay soccer fans care more about soccer than LGBT rights, otherwise they wouldn’t be traveling to a country that views them as less than human. Married heterosexual couples can’t hold hands there. Stop complaining.

2 ( +11 / -9 )

I wouldn't be surprised if the actual number of LGBTQ soccer fans is a small portion that would go unnoticed in a game, unless their goal is to make headlines by promoting their flamboyance.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Showing support for the LGBTQ is necessary.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

If you choose to host a world sports tournament, you accept and welcome everyone - not just the ones you like. If Qatar has a problem with same gender fans holding hands in a decent manner in public or staying in the same room, they should NEVER have been awarded the Cup. Simple as that.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

A great example of the West's 'liberal' neo-colonial arrogance on display. And yet clueless JT commentators wonder why more and more of the world is pushing back against The Empire That Never Stops.

"Pushing back"? Laughable. Pretty much the entire world is desperate to take on "the Wests" sports tournaments, advancements, education, trade and money.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Those who wish can show LGBTQ support without getting themselves arrested and deported or disturbing the games.

There has never been a single empire in the west. Many different ones over many thousands of years. Today, there are none.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

All cultures are equal: all equally unworthy of the human spirit.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

As a same-sex couple, when you travel you do need to be aware of the issues around same-sex rights in the countries you visit - as you need this information to protect yourself. And if flying under the radar of the locals is how you do that, then that's what you do to keep safe and not be beaten, arrested, or thrown in jail.

But respect is another issue entirely - I don't have to respect a cultural more that declares I'm less of a human being, or that I deserve punishment for loving my partner. There simply is no obligation to tolerate intolerance.

I think that choice of words is what people are upset over, as it seems he is saying same-sex couples must show reverence for homophobia - which we absolutely should not.

What he should have said was that the UK government has spoken with the government of Qartar for assurance that same-sex couples would not be harassed, harmed, or arrested, and then he should have provided information about what to do in case it happened.

And I can give you a nearly 100% guarantee that no same-sex couples visiting Qatar are going to do something so stupid as to hold hands or kiss in public - we are well used to keeping our sexuality under wraps, and do it nearly every single day of our lives, so this will not be much different from any other day in our lives.

In other words, we already know what to do when visiting homophobic countries, because we already live with homophobia in our daily lives - and we don't need any cisgender heterosexuals trying to gaysplain to us.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

And I can give you a nearly 100% guarantee that no same-sex couples visiting Qatar are going to do something so stupid as to hold hands or kiss in public - we are well used to keeping our sexuality under wraps, 

I’d like to agree with you 100% but, humans have a propensity for doing eccentric things. Especially when it is some thing they are emotionally or morally passionate about.

We see this from all sectors of society. Gun-nuts walking around shopping with a AR-15 slung over their shoulder, eco-protestors throwing tomato soup and paint on artworks and luxury cars, storming Capitol Hill, burning down and looting the very neighborhoods they claim “matter” etc. Not to mention that the current generation of both red and blue have a very “in your face” and “my cause is above the law” attitude.

When homosexuality was a crime in the US, there were the “We’re here we’re queer get used to it” protest marches.

If people are willing to risk imprisonment for their cause, I hope they fully understand what it may entail.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

‘Respect our culture’

’Do you imprison LGBT people in your culture?’

’Yes’

’( insert word of your choice ) off’

3 ( +6 / -3 )

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

Well, Mr. Cleverly doesn't seem to be very clever.

Gay fans will be far out numbered by raucus, drunk straight fans possibly causing trouble.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The choice of Qatar to hold a World Cup has lead to once controversy after another.

David Beckham Qatar contract, an agreement to take the post of global ambassador for the World Cup a deal believed to be worth $277 million, alongside Qatar appalling human rights record is beyond shameful.

Qatar was never an appropriate or remotely viable destination for a Global sporting event of this nature

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I hope that gay activists go to Qatar and protest openly. That will show the Qataris......

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

He is right, and this applies to everyone, not just the minority who took umbrage.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

if you are in Paris-behave like French.

if you want go to Qatar respect their rules,social standards and habits.this applies for ANY country,incl.Japan

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

if you want go to Qatar respect their rules,social standards and habits

Right, should we beat gay couples if we see any over there? Maybe throw some stones to them? That way we’d fit just fine with their “standards”.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

if you are in Paris-behave like French.

You've clearly never been there. I don't think even Parisians would want you to do that.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

What a terribly queer thing for him to say!

We have to use our own judgement about where we travel. I for one will not be traveling to North Korea or Afghanistan any time soon. It’s a big p,sent with many different cultures, I don’t condone the bigotry in countries like Qatar, but people must be aware of the situation there and travel accordingly.

GirlinTokyo

Please give us a break from your victimhood, many of us have problems due to where we live or who we choose to be with.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Quite simply... boycott the events in Countries that you have a grievance with, and if you can, make such an action into a "movement" for change.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Geo

Both the minister and I suggest you don't go to Qatar

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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