Country Overview
Qatar
At a glance
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Qatar criminalizes same-sex sexual activity with a maximum punishment of seven years’ imprisonment. While the death penalty could technically be imposed for zina (sex outside marriage) under Qatar’s interpretation of Shariah, there have been no recent reports of this provision being applied in cases of same-sex intimacy. Security forces have arbitrarily arrested people of queer experience and subjected them to physical assault and sexual harassment. As a condition for release, some trans women have been subjected to conversion practices.
The government has censored and banned media content concerning sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. In 2022, the decision for Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup was a point of global contention, partly due to Qatar’s laws regarding LGBTIQ people. Increased attention to LGBTIQ persons during the 2022 FIFA World Cup has contributed to hate speech from both traditional and social media, and increased restrictions against sexual and gender minorities.
Activists face restrictions to their freedom of association and assembly in the country, with Articles 1 and 35 of the 2004 Law on Private Associations and Foundations prohibiting associations and foundations from being “involved in political issues.” Outright has not identified any LGBTIQ organization operating in the country.
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