FIFA is criticized for awarding Saudi Arabi the 2034 World Cup, a Ugandan court awards $40K to tortured LGBTQ victims, and the United Kingdom will compensate LGBTQ veterans for the Armed Forces ban.
FIFA Criticized for Awarding Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup
FIFA faces intense backlash after selecting Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup, despite the country’s severe anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for same-sex relationships.
According to Pink News, human rights advocates, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a joint statement condemning FIFA’s decision.
“This move ignores FIFA’s own human rights policies and puts marginalized groups at significant risk,” the statement read.
The groups also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s record of exploiting migrant workers, silencing activists, and discriminating against women and LGBTQ individuals.
Critics argue that hosting the tournament without reforms could overshadow the event with human rights abuses. They call on FIFA to demand meaningful protections for vulnerable groups before the event proceeds.
Ugandan Court Awards $40K to Tortured LGBTQ Victims
Public domain photo.
A Ugandan court awarded over $40,000 to 20 men tortured by police after their 2020 arrest for alleged homosexuality.
According to the Washington Blade, the High Court ruling detailed brutal treatment, including beatings, burning, and forced anal exams, inflicted after a mob invaded their residence. In 2020, the men were arrested in Nkokonjeru under suspicion of homosexuality, which they denied, and charged with violating COVID-19 measures.
The court condemned the actions of police and state authorities.
Frank Mugisha, Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, called the ruling a “significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community.”
While Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act still criminalizes same-sex relations, the verdict offers legal acknowledgment of abuse against LGBTQ individuals. Activists continue to challenge the Draconian law.
UK to Compensate LGBTQ Veterans for Armed Forces Ban
Artwork created by Craig Tuggle.
LGBTQ veterans dismissed from the U.K. armed forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity will receive up to £70,000 ($87,566.77) in compensation under a new government plan.
Defense Secretary John Healey described the mistreatment as a "moral stain on our nation" in a House of Commons apology, acknowledging the pain caused during the decades-long ban on LGBTQ personnel. Homosexuality began to be decriminalized in 1967, but the armed forces ban remained until 2000.
According to BBC, the £75 million ($93,829,500.00) fund includes £50,000 ($62,553.00) for dismissed veterans and up to £20,000 ($25,021.20) for those subjected to harassment, invasive investigations, or imprisonment. All compensation will be tax-free and won’t affect means-tested benefits.
Veterans can also apply to have their ranks reinstated, and service records amended to remove any "blame or dishonor." Healey emphasized the urgency of addressing this injustice, stating compensation would be paid “soon into the new year.”
“This dark chapter of our armed forces history is being addressed,” Healey said, highlighting the government’s engagement with LGBT veterans and campaigners. The initiative aims to bring long-overdue recognition and reparations to those who suffered under the discriminatory policies.
