Birmingham bars ban World Cup games over Qatar laws

At least two bars in Birmingham city centre are boycotting the football World Cup 2022 over Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

In Birmingham city centre, The Village Inn and The Loft in the Gay Village will not be showing any of the matches. And in Kings Heath, the Hare & Hounds, are taking action over the tournament, donating some of their takings to LGBTQ+ groups.

Other businesses may also take action.

Owner of The Village Inn and The Loft, Lawrence Barton, said: “As a gay man, I could be arrested in Qatar or if you are a Muslim living in Qatar, they could face persecution as well.”

Mr Barton is also the festival director of Birmingham Pride and has recently been appointed as the city’s Night Time Economy Champion said he is standing against the “atrocious laws against the LGBTQ+ community” in Qatar. He added that the other businesses in the Gay Village will be making their own decisions.

Meanwhile, Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath is going to donate 10% of their takings from each day that they screen a World Cup match to an LGBTQ+ charity, and they also encouraging a voluntary £2 donation on entry, with all proceeds going to their chosen charity.

In a statement posted on their social media, the team said: “We are big supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re very proud to be involved in the infamous Queens Heath Pride event and many other LGBTQ+ club nights and events throughout the year.

“The appalling attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community and the blatant disregard for human rights present in Qatar (highlighted by the outrageous comments made by their ambassador) have created a dilemma for us as both football fans and allies.”

The team added: “LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and we yearn for the day that Qataris can live freely and without fear,” they added.

What are Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws?

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, says UK’s travel advice for Qatar. “Private life in Qatar is largely respected but any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent,” the UK government said.

Qatar has said “everyone is welcome” at the World Cup and have publicly confirmed that there will be no restrictions on non-married friends or couples (including LGBT people) staying in the same room.