FIFA's president Sepp Blatter has
apologized for joking about Qatar's laws against gay sex.
When asked what he advised gay fans
attending the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar, a mainly Muslim
country which forbids gay and lesbian relationships, Blatter
responded with a joke.
After
a long pause, Blatter answered: “I would say that they should
refrain from sexual activities.”
But on Friday, Blatter apologized for
the joke, the AP reported.
“It was not my intention and never
will be my intention to go into any discrimination,” Blatter told
reporters in Abu Dhabi. “This is exactly what we are against. If
somebody feels that they have been hurt then I regret [it] and
present apologies.”
Former NBA basketball star John Amaechi
was among those who criticized Blatter.
Writing at his blog, Amaechi, who came
out gay in 2007, said that FIFA “has endorsed the marginalization
of LGBT people around the world.”
“Blatter's words aren't really about
sex, as I can't imagine that many gay football fans would be bold
enough to do it in public in Qatar,” Amaechi wrote. “Rather,
what he is really saying is 'Don't be camp, don't hold hands, don't
look into each other's eyes, don't book rooms with one bed, don't
have candle-lit dinners in the restaurant …' and on and on.”
“He's really saying don't even 'look'
gay, re-closet yourself and pretend the ties and love and affection
you have for your partner or even a random bloke you might meet on
your travels are gone for the whole time you are in Qatar.”