Gay sex is punishable by jail in Qatar, as in many
Muslim-majority countries.
The conservative Gulf Arab state is hosting a Formula One grand
prix for the first time this weekend and has signed a 10-year
contract from 2023.
Hamilton's helmet featured the words "We Stand Together" on the
back and reflected the colours of the Progress Pride flag with a
chevron to represent the intersex community as well as LGBTQ+.
"This is what we mean when we talk about using your platform for
good and carrying your values with you," said Racing Pride
co-founder Richard Morris on Twitter.
"The symbolism of this, in one of the world’s most dangerous
regions for LGBTQ+ people, is enormously powerful. I can’t even
express my admiration for Lewis today."
In July Hamilton spoke out against Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+
legislation ahead of the country's grand prix and urged voters
to protect rights by rejecting it in a coming referendum.
The sport's most successful driver of all time, with a record
101 wins, has used his platform to promote diversity and
campaign for human rights.
The title contender told reporters at the Losail circuit on
Thursday that while it was not up to the drivers where they
raced, he was aware of the situation.
"I do feel that there are issues in these places that we are
going to, as there are around the world, but of course (this)
seems to be deemed as one of the worst in this part of the
world," said the Briton.
"I do think as these sports go to these places they are duty
bound to raise awareness for these issues and these places need
scrutiny and need the media to speak about these things. Equal
rights is a serious issue.
"However I am aware that in this place they are trying to make
steps and it can't change overnight."
Qatar, preparing to host the 2022 soccer World Cup, has come
under particular fire for labour conditions and the treatment of
migrant workers.
The final two races of the Formula One season are in Saudi
Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Bahrain also hosted a race earlier in the
year.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Pritha Sarkar
and Ken Ferris)
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