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No discrimination against homosexual love at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar!

In the winter of 2022, for the first time in soccer history, a World Cup will be hosted by an Arab country. Can this work: a cosmopolitan event in a non-cosmopolitan country? The whole world will be looking to Qatar. Me too, Benjamin Näßler. I'm a soccer fan and I'm gay. In 2020, I was elected "Mr. Gay Germany" by a jury. I would very much like to travel to Qatar at the end of 2022 to watch the World Cup games there.

But I have serious reservations, because homosexuality is punishable in Qatar. Offenders are punished with up to three years in prison. In 1996, for example, a U.S. citizen received a six-month prison sentence and 90 lashes. Homosexuals arriving for the World Cup are therefore to refrain from public displays of affection and kissing for four weeks during the 2022 World Cup. In addition to chief organizer Hassan Al Thawadi, former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has already called on homosexual visitors to show consideration for the emirate's homophobic culture and "just take a break."

Therefore I demand:

• No punishment and discrimination for homosexual people during and after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
• A clear statement of the DFB against the discrimination practice of homosexual people in Qatar before and during the World Cup 2022

I feel discriminated and do not want to tolerate this intolerance. What would happen if I hugged, kissed or caressed my husband? Would I be sentenced to prison or even whipped?

As a recreational kicker, I therefore demand an end to the criminal prosecution of homosexuals in Qatar. Basic human rights do not end at borders! Therefore, I call on the German Football Association (DFB) to defend its own principles from the code of ethics, which stands for fair and humane treatment without any discrimination, against the Qatari organizers and to use the stage of the World Cup for a clear signal against homophobia.

Please help increase the pressure on Qatar to end the practice of discrimination and prosecution of homosexuals and to make possible a World Cup where all people are welcome regardless of origin, religion, gender, skin color and sexual orientation.

Let's stand together for gay rights in Qatar. Thank you for your support!