After rainbow-colored toys were recently seized in Qatar, there have been doubts on whether everyone will be welcome to 2022 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
Authorities in the Arab country confiscated a line of kids toys from multiple stores deeming their rainbow colors "contrary to Islamic values," according to GMA News. The country's commerce and industry ministry did not particularly raise objection to the rainbow colors, but some of the toys had a color pattern that were similar to the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) flags.
The ministry of commerce and industry tweeted saying that it "carried out inspection campaigns on several retail outlets in different regions across Qatar." The campaigns led to the confiscation and release of many violations, including the "confiscation of children's toys bearing slogans that go against Islamic values."
#MOCIQATAR carried out inspection campaigns on several retail outlets in different regions across #Qatar, the campaigns resulted in the seizure and release of several violations, including the confiscation of children's toys bearing slogans that go against Islamic values.
— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) December 20, 2021
The ministry also posted photographs of stress balls and other toys in rainbow colors.
According to The Peninsula, this practice violated the provisions of Article number (2) of Law number (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which states that the basic rights of a consumer "shall be guaranteed under the provisions of this law." It further states that no individual may "conclude any agreement or conduct any activity that prejudices such rights," in particular "the right of respect of religious values, customs and traditions."
In a separate statement to QNA news agency, the ministry urged people of Qatar to report "any product bearing logos or designs" contrary to their traditions. The reasons for the seizure of the products were not immediately known.
The country will host the FIFA World Cup next year. Despite authorities' repeated assertions that everyone will be allowed to attend the tournament, homosexuality continues to be illegal in the conservative nation, according to Daily Mail.
Last month, the English Football Association assured lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) fans that they would be welcome in Qatar for the World Cup. Authorities even said that rainbow flags would be allowed at the prestigious event. But once the World Cup ends, there might be repercussions for LGBT+ fans of Qatar who might display rainbow-colored flags during the much-awaited tournament.
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