A Liverpool city centre bar is refusing to show World Cup matches to concerns over LGBTQ+ and human rights in host country Qatar.
Camp and Furnace on Greenland Street in the city centre has announced it will not be showing any of the matches as it “cannot in good conscience promote the event”. The venue said that “after taking into account the ongoing LGBTQIA+ and human rights issues surrounding the World Cup” it would not be screening the tournament.
The World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday, has faced controversy due to the host nation's record on LGBTQ+ rights. It is currently illegal to be gay in Qatar with a jail sentence of up to seven years.
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A statement issued by Camp and Furnace on its social media channels said: “After careful consideration and discussion, Camp and Furnace have decided not to screen any of the upcoming World Cup matches.
“Our top priority is always the comfort, safety, and well-being of our customers, from any and all communities. Taking into account the ongoing LGBTQIA+ and human rights issues surrounding the World Cup this year, we cannot in good conscience promote the event, as this contradicts our values as a venue and team.”
Camp and Furnace joins a number of UK bars refusing to screen the upcoming matches in protest of Qatar’s human rights record and stance on same sex relationships. Chester pub The Liverpool Arms will not be showing the tournament and said it was "deeply concerned" about the situation regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar.
The Key Club music venue, in Leeds, said it wouldn’t show games in response to Qatar’s “ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues.'' London bar The Glory has also refused to show the World Cup.
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