Cleverly defends his World Cup LGBT+ advice
THE Foreign Secretary has defended his previous advice to gay football fans travelling to Qatar after he was criticised for suggesting that LGBT+ supporters should show “a little bit of flex and compromise”.
James Cleverly’s comments last month, in which he also advised LGBT+ football fans heading to the football tournament to “respect the culture of your host nation”, were criticised in some quarters.
Earlier this month, Labour MP Luke Pollard urged Mr Cleverly to apologise for comments which “force LGBT people back into the closet”.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished by up to seven years in prison.
But yesterday Mr Cleverly sought to defend his remarks, as he said that he was trying to ensure LGBT fans have a “safe and secure time” at the tournament.
Part of the Foreign Office advice notes “any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent”.
Asked if he would attend the world footballing event if he was gay, he said: “I would certainly consider going and as I say I want to make sure that those British fans are able to go to the World Cup to be safe and secure.”