FIFA President Apologizes
Dec 17, 2010 Political
The president of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the football (soccer) association, has apologized for remarks he made about the 2022 World Cup matches in Qatar. Sepp Blatter was earlier asked about the treatment of gays during the events in Qatar and he replied:
I would say that they should refrain from any sexual activities.
Blatter took a lot of heat from homosexual advocacy groups that were upset with his comment.
But he was correct.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and those caught in homosexual acts could be arrested and subject to Draconian treatment. I believe that Blatter was stating the obvious in telling homosexuals to refrain from behavior that is illegal in the host country.
I imagine he could have expanded his comments to tell people not to steal or drive in violation of local laws but one would figure these are pretty universal and most people should know these acts are against the law.
In many countries homosexuality is not against the law so homosexuals might not have thought about the consequences of engaging in that behavior in a country where it is not allowed.
Instead, a knee jerk reaction to his comments overshadows the reality that anyone caught engaging in homosexual behavior might not ever get out of the country.
Perhaps he could have softened the blow (so to speak) if he had also warned against adultery, a crime that can result in a death penalty for the woman involved.
I think Blatter gave good advice. At least now if people are arrested they cannot claim ignorance. That certainly would have occurred if Blatter had said nothing.
Homosexuals who are upset (most of whom are probably not even going to Qatar) should consider whether Blatter’s advice was salient and should be heeded or if they are willing to risk the consequences of getting caught by a government that has little tolerance for such behavior.
Cave Canem!
Never surrender, never submit.
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Tags: fifa, homosexuality, qatar, sepp blatter, world cup