‘Homosexuality damages the mind’ – World Cup ambassador

An official ambassador for the upcoming World Cup in. The former footballer, now ambassador, Khalid Salman added to the controversy surrounding the showpiece with his remarks on the LGBTQ+ community.

While the event claims to welcome all people, Qatar has battled to shift focus away from their homosexuality laws which is punishable by three years in prison.

Speaking on television, Salman said that “many things will come into this country” during the World Cup.

“Let us talk about gay people, for example. The most important thing is that everyone accepts they are coming here and they have to accept our rules,” the 60-year-old told ZDF, a German broadcaster.

Despite Qatar stating that the local authorities will be lenient in terms of their homosexuality laws, the ambassador feels differently.

Salman raised concerns that the children of Qatar may see “gay men” and learn “something that is not good”.

He was asked why homosexuality was banned in Qatar.

“It damages the mind,” he replied.

Salman’s comment also comes after several officials from the World Cup and Qatar government have requested that the focus be on football and not politics.

The comments from the ambassador sparked outrage with human rights organisations.

“Salman’s suggestion that same-sex attraction damages the mind is harmful and unacceptable,” said senior researcher Rasha Younes from the Human Rights Watch, the BBC reported.

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka responded to the comments, saying they were both “oppressive” and “from a different millennium”.

“That is not what we want to stand for and what we exemplify. It is absolutely unacceptable to make such a statement,” the German said.

The World Cup kicks off in a tainted light on 20 November.

Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt

Pictured above: Khalid Salman

Image source: @ArgentinaFC

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