Qatar Seizes Children’s Toys with ‘Un-Islamic' LGBT-Style Rainbow Patterns
The rainbow-colored children's toys were banned from stores
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Qatar authorities have seized a line of children's toys that feature rainbow patterns similar to the LGBTQ flags, deeming them "un-Islamic."
The country will host next year's soccer World Cup, and said anyone would be welcome to visit despite the conservative Muslim emirate keeping homosexuality illegal.
The rainbow-colored children's toys were banned from stores because they go against "Islamic values," according to officials.
The emirate's commerce and industry ministry did not elaborate on its objection to the rainbow colors but said the toy's colors were very similar to the LGBTQ flag.
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The ministry of commerce and industry said on Twitter it "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."
نفذت وزارة #التجارة_والصناعة حملات تفتيشية على عدد من المحال التجارية في مناطق مختلفة بالدولة، وأسفرت الحملات عن ضبط وتحرير عدداً من المخالفات، تمثلت في لعب أطفال تحمل شعارات مخلّة بالقيم الإسلامية والعادات والتقاليد.#قطر pic.twitter.com/4JpwpMpR9v
— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) December 20, 2021
"The ministry urges all citizens and residents to report any product bearing logos or designs contrary to our traditions," it said in a separate statement on the official QNA news agency.
Qatar's rights record has come under scrutiny since it was chosen to host the 2022 World Cup in 2010.
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Last month, the English Football Association assured LGBTQ+ fans the country would welcome everyone for the World Cup, as Qatar appeared to soften its anti-LGBTQ+ stance for the tournament
As The Daily Mail reported:
Amnesty International has accused the Football Association of failing to engage with it over human rights abuses in Qatar – unlike associations in other countries - with a spokesman saying they had not spoken to the FA since 2020.
But the FA said last month it was 'categorically incorrect' to claim there has been no dialogue since March 2020, adding: 'We are in dialogue with Amnesty and also with FIFA, UEFA, other member associations and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.'
The country's attitude towards LGBTQ+ rights were in the spotlight earlier in December when Football pundit Mohamed Aboutrika, a former Egypt international, launched the offensive tirade on beIN Sports - a channel owned and run by Qatar.
Aboutrika said:
"Such a phenomenon does not fit our faith and it does not fit our religion’, adding it is ‘not only against Islam’s nature, but it’s against human nature."
He added:
"They will tell you that homosexuality is human rights. No, it is not human rights – in fact it’s against humanity."
He was not challenged on his views and will not be disciplined nor sacked.
