Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has launched a new attack on Mark Drakeford's decision to travel to the Qatar World Cup, following 'hateful' comments made by a World Cup ambassador. Former Qatari international footballer Khalid Salman, who is now a public face of the tournament, told a German broadcaster: "They have to accept our rules here," adding that homosexuality was a "damage in the mind."
Mr Price said in First Minister's Questions on Tuesday, November 8, that Salman's comments (which included suggestions that children would be harmed by learning about LGBTQ+ people) showed the issues LGBTQ+ people would face at the tournament. He said: "You referred to the Rainbow Wall; of course, they've decided that they cannot go to this World Cup.
"I've seen discussion that the Football Association of Wales is having with the Qatar Government about creating safe houses for LGBTQ+ people, but the fact that there even has to be that discussion, and that there can be no guarantee ultimately that LGBTQ+ people will not be subject to discrimination and, indeed, even imprisonment, I think shows the gravity of the situation that we're facing.
READ MORE: Mark Drakeford to break Labour Party boycott of Qatar and travel to football World Cup
"So, in the light of these most recent comments, will the First Minister potentially be reconsidering his intention to attend? I notice that the Qatar foreign Minister has also said that the criticisms of Qatar in relation to human rights and in relation to migrant workers are arrogant and hypocritical. Does the Welsh Government share that view?"
The First Minister wasn't available to attend FMQs in person as he has tested positive for Covid. Lesley Griffiths MS, standing in for Mr Drakeford, said: "I'm unable to speak to him—he's unwell—but I'm sure his office will have heard your questions. So, I don't really feel I can answer that."
Later in the evening, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: "We condemn these shameful comments and stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities everywhere.
"The First Minister and Cabinet have raised human and workers’ rights issues directly with the Qatari Ambassador to the UK and are engaging with LGBTQ+ fans and trades unions in Wales and across the world to help ensure fan safety. We stand with those striving for social justice and will go on promoting an open, progressive Wales that is committed to the values of inclusivity and equality."
The Welsh Liberal Democrats also criticised the decision for the First Minister to go to Qatar - contrasting it against the Welsh Government citing the impact of air travel as a reason not to attend COP27. Leader Jane Dodds MS said: "Why does the Welsh Government consider going to COP27 an inappropriate use of air miles on the one hand, yet they are ploughing ahead on an inappropriate trip to Qatar on the other hand?
"The planned visit to Qatar by three Labour Ministers is totally unnecessary and inappropriate. Welsh Labour must cancel their trip immediately and take a strong stance on human rights rather than seeking investment at any cost."
The First Minister's decision to go to Qatar contradicts a Labour Party boycott of the tournament. Sir Keir Starmer has said he'll watch the competition "on the sofa," and shadow sports secretary Lucy Powell turned down an invitation from the Qatari government but declined because of the country's human rights record.
She specifically told the Daily Mail that: "LGBT England and Wales fans are having to put up with the tournament being played in a country where their sexuality is criminalised." The Welsh Government also recently rejected calls to shut its Qatar office.
Mr Price added on Twitter: "@prifweinidog should stand in global solidarity and reconsider his decision to attend [the World Cup]. As a gay man, who could not travel safely to Qatar to support our team in the World Cup, I feel – as I’m sure many in the LGBTQ+ community do – that it sends the wrong message for the head of our National Government to attend in person.
"While I’m delighted that so many people will be able to support the great achievement of our national team – and I couldn’t be prouder of Cymru – this freedom is not available to everyone."
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