Qatar may allow rainbow flags and political protests at the World Cup

Supporters may now be able to stage political protests at the World Cup

Qatar may allow supporters travelling to the World Cup to stage peaceful protests, promote LGBTQ+ rights and even kiss in public. A presentation, seen by Bloomberg, has detailed guidelines for policing the tournament which inform security officials to exercise "less intervention, more mediation" as well as practice "leniency towards behaviours that do not threaten physical integrity or property." Police officers have also been told not to approach, detain or prosecute people displaying rainbow flags or disrupt fans who are  chanting in the streets. Security forces have also been told to leave protestors alone unless they are creating a "security issue." While the guidelines could still change before the start of the World Cup on November 20, the change in policy could represent a significant change for Qatar. The Gulf State have been criticised in the build-up to the World Cup with the focus directed towards their abhorrent human rights record which includes a ban on same-sex relationships and the treatment of migrant workers. Previously, the Qatari government has said it would welcome people of all sexual orientations, providing they abide by the rule of displays of public affection, which also applies to heterosexual relationships. But despite insisting that everybody would be welcome at the World Cup, details of how they would deal with those that didn't follow the guidelines were not revealed. In the presentation, a list which contained four-tiers of how offences will be measured were revealed which range from no action, a warning, a fine and prosecution A representative of the Qatar government declined to comment whereas a spokesman for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the main Qatari organising committee for the event, said that it was aware of the documents, but did not develop nor approve of what was in it. Related links:

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