Current Events > UK's first gay athlete says he would risk prison to defend LGBT rights in Qatar.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Team GBs only gay athlete will risk prison at Qatars World Championships next year after pledging to defend LGBT rights during the global showpiece.

Tom Bosworth is one of Britains leading gold medal prospects for the Doha event after collecting a silver medal in the 20km race walk at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year. The 28-year-old collected the second world record of his career at the London Stadium on Saturday and is at his peak.

However Bosworth, who came out as Britains first gay athlete in 2015, is angry that a sport that prides itself on diversity has granted the hosting rights for its flagship event to a country that continues to criminalise homosexuality.

Theres many questions as to why this championships ended up where it has, the Leeds-based athlete told The Independent. I think the athletes and perhaps even the sport has been forgotten.

Obviously Qatar wants to make a statement. Theyve got the football world cup (in 2022) as well. If its about money, theres other options [that could have been taken].

Bosworth proposed to his boyfriend on a Brazilian beach during the Rio Olympics but same sex marriage is not recognised in Qatar. Men who have sex with other men face up to three years in prison.

Ive told my fiance, dont even consider coming I dont want you or my family to come, adds the man who captained Team England at the Commonwealth Games in Australia earlier this year.

The plan ensures the safety of his partner, but Bosworth will risk an even harsher punishment by defending LGBT rights while in Doha. Criticising the Gulf States Emir, whose family dynasty the new athletics stadium is named after, carries a five year jail sentence.

It emerged last week that locally printed version of international newspapers are having articles defending LGBT rights removed for the first time, as the country closes ranks in anticipation of increasing scrutiny of its laws.

I will not be afraid to speak out, Bosworth said after his latest victory. Im going there to do a job and compete but I want to do that safely, happily and I want those opportunities for everybody.

Bosworth said he held out hope that the host country may yet surprise him. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is visiting London on Monday and Amnesty International have called on Prime Minister Theresa May to advocate for LGBT people in Qatar in their discussions.

Im not saying its not going to be great. Look how great the football world cup was in Russia and plenty of people said theres going to be problems and that its dangerous. Theres no doubt sport brings people together and hopefully that will be the same next year.

Qatars leading athletes insist a compelling spectacle is in store. The country has little athletics heritage in terms of winning medals but the state wants to display a positive, transformative image, on and off the track.

Im going to win a gold medal for the Emir because he loves athletics so much and we love him too, Abdalelah Haroun said after winning the 400m.

Qatars tactics to rebrand their nation may backfire. Sambas rival for gold next summer, Karsten Warholm, holds nothing against his opponents and praises their dedication to their craft, but wonders if any glory he secures may feel a little hollow. I just hope they have the same heart for their country as I have. I hope success is something you work for and not something you buy. Qatar dont get to buy me, anyway.

Full ArticlE: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/team-gb-tom-bosworth-qatar-world-championships-lgbt-rights-a8458706.html


If your family can't attend an athletes' sporting event without being endangered then that nation should have no right to hold said sporting event.
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Wouldn't he like prison?
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First ever, huh?
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PoopPotato posted...

First ever, huh?

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllllll

It's debatable.

There's Nicola Adams:



She's straight leaning bisexual.
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Would be nice to see countries and sponsors step up in the same way or pull out of the event. (would have also been nice for WC in Russia, upcoming WC in Qatar, and plenty of other things)
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he has more courage than sense but good luck to him

dirtycommunist posted...

Would be nice to see countries and sponsors step up in the same way or pull out of the event. (would have also been nice for WC in Russia, upcoming WC in Qatar, and plenty of other things)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6RID82Ru-k" data-time="
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