For Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (63, SPD) there is obviously no reason to publicly criticize the inhuman treatment of homosexuals in Qatar – not even when the Emir of the World Cup host country is standing right next to him and he is also asked about it.

No wonder: Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani (41) was in Berlin to agree on an energy partnership for gas deliveries with the federal government – Economics Minister Robert Habeck (52, Greens) had initiated the deal in Qatar a few weeks ago. Goal: Away from Russian gas.

Bad time for the chancellor to discuss gay rights – not even when a journalist asks about it.

At the press conference, YouTube journalist Tilo Jung recalled whether the German national team can take part in a World Cup in a country where the rights of homosexuals are trampled on.

The Chancellor threw on the “Scholzomat” and said: “Indeed, this World Cup will take place. The German team will take part there.” Questions relating to human and civil rights would also be discussed, added Scholz – and suddenly changed the subject.

On employee rights.

There have been improvements in Qatar, such as the introduction of a minimum wage, Scholz reported in the manner of a press spokesman. “As someone who is your employment lawyer by profession, I can say: There is always room for improvement,” said Scholz with his familiar grin.

The commitment to workers’ rights is the “actual drive” of his political and social commitment. “And that applies all the more to all other questions relating to civil and human rights. That will also be part of our talks,” concluded Scholz.

The word “homosexual” is not a single time.

Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Qatar

To this day, homosexuality is forbidden in Qatar, and there are penalties such as flogging, imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Members of the LGBTQI+ community should be systematically monitored and their exchange with each other, for example via social media, valued. This is reported by the human rights organization Amnesty International in its annual report 2021/22.

Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani (41) said everyone is welcome in Qatar to the World Cup, “but we also want people to respect our culture,” he added.

Qatar is an open country visited by millions of people every year – the World Cup is another opportunity to experience Qatari culture.

Recently, it sounded different, as research by three Scandinavian TV stations showed: According to this, homosexuals in Qatar were not allowed to check into some hotels – according to hotel policy, homosexual guests are not welcome, it was said by Haus.

World governing body Fifa said it was “confident that all necessary measures will be expedited to allow LGBTQI fans and others to enjoy the tournament in a welcoming and safe manner”.