Homosexual fans could face dire consequences if they flout the Russian laws

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

World football governing body FIFA has released a statement warning homosexual football fans who will travel to Russia to watch World Cup next year. FIFA has cautioned the fans that those who will disregard the Russian laws by engaging in public affection will be arrested by the Russian government.

Russia changed its laws to decriminalize homosexuality in 1993, but the country brought in another law criminalizing behaviours exposing minors to homosexual behaviours in 2013. This implies that actions of displaying affections such as holding hands and caressing are criminal under the Russian laws, as they display wrong picture to the minors that ‘homosexuality is normal and tolerable.’’

Already, Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) have come forward with a plan aimed at sensitizing fans and other stakeholders on the potential threats in Russia. FARE has revealed that it is in negotiation with FIFA over how to mitigate the possible dangers.

While talking to the media in London, the FARE director Piara Powar revealed that some members of the Lesbian Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender (LGBT) members approached him to ask if they could raise their rainbow flag at the stadia.

FARE is therefore planning to provide information to the group explaining the hostile areas in Russia that may not tolerate them. In addition, the organization has also appealed to black and other minority groups planning to travel to Russia to be very cautious.