The LGBTQIA community will be granted rights to public display of affection in Qatar during the world cup, which kicks off on Sunday.
FIFA was said to have held a secret meeting with the Qatar’s Interior Ministry to discuss guidelines surrounding gay rights in Qatar.
There had been fears among the countries that were tolerant of the gay community.
While some like the United Kingdoms” Foreign secretary James Cleverly had warned that Qatar’s rule of law be respected, others had said it was unfair not to be allowed to express themselves.
James Cleverly said: ‘These are Muslim countries; they have a very different cultural starting point (from ours).
‘I think it’s important when you’re a visitor to a country that you respect the culture of your host nation.’
Although this has been relaxed, some natives have said it is only a plot to get those who are involved. A lesbian secretary told Mail Online that some of the gay community members might be in trouble after the world cup. She says: ‘The World Cup has given us the protection we need for maybe a month.
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‘But you will find very few Qatari gay and lesbian people who will believe there will be no repercussions after the World Cup is over.
‘There may not be trouble while football is here, but they will catch up with Qatari people after, beat and jail us for what they see as shaming the country.’
‘As a lesbian woman, I will enjoy the World Cup like other fans, but you won’t see me hugging my girlfriend in Doha. No way.
‘We will keep our relationship private like many others here.”
