French sports minister responds, sort of, on homophobic host of FIFA World Cup

As we reported earlier, Paris-area regional councillor Jean Luc Roméro has written to the French minister for sport with regard to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar, a country which bans entry for HIV-positive foreigners and where homosexuality is illegal.

During his remarks as opening speaker of the 4 April 2012 study day on sport and HIV held at the headquarters of the French Olympic Committee, Roméro recalled this important issue. 

French Minister for Sport David Douillet has responded to Roméro's letter, which had been sent to Douillet"s precedessor. The response has taken a great deal of time, but website Yagg.com has obtained a copy of it.

Douillet, known for his own homophobic and sexist statements, completely ignores the issue of homosexuality. And with regard to HIV status, he claims that this is not an issue, for testing is only required for those staying two months or more. In fact, according to this website, the length of time one can visit without testing is only one month, which means that many players, visitors, and workers would be concerned by this ban.

Douillet also claims that holding sport events improves the respect for humanist values.