Saudi Arabia says it will “welcome” LGBTQ+ visitors – despite anti-gay laws
Saudi Arabia is continuing its drive to attract more tourists by reassuring LGBTQ+ visitors that they are “welcome” – despite homosexuality being punishable by death in the country.
The website of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) appears to have updated its Q&A section on whether or not LGBTQ+ tourists can visit. “Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia and visitors are not asked to disclose such personal details,” it says.
Exactly when the update took place is unclear and, according to CNN, an archived version of the website from 14 March did not display the question or its answer.
Sexual activity between people of the same sex is an offence in Saudi Arabia and Human Dignity Trust, an organisation that campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights, has reported that there are “consistent reports of discrimination and violence” against LGBTQ+ people there. READ MORE: Disney rejects Saudi Arabia’s request to cut ‘12-second-long’ LGBTQ+ scene from Doctor Strange 2 Although social attitudes in Saudi Arabia often do not align with the law, the aforementioned organisation said there is “substantial evidence of the law being enforced” and transgender people can also face prosecution.
