A guide to the World Cup issued by European football anti-discrimination group Fare "will warn gay fans to be cautious about holding hands in public," according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. Russia has laws banning "gay propaganda," and the group has asked FIFA if fans will be "permitted to fly rainbow flags at World Cup games." Fare will have monitors at every match to report incidents of discrimination to FIFA. The group said that "it is crucial that the governing body brings in a specific offence of homophobic abuse by fans." The guide will also provide advice for "black fans and those of colour." Fare Exec Dir Piara Powar said, "The guide will advise gay people to be cautious in any place which is not seen to be welcoming to the LGBT community" (LONDON TIMES, 11/29). In London, Martha Kelner reported being gay is not illegal in Russia but the country has a law banning teaching about homosexuality in schools and there are "numerous cases where gay people from foreign countries have been attacked because of their sexuality." Fare has written to FIFA on behalf of two fans' groups from Great Britain and Germany to ask for permission to raise a rainbow flag inside stadiums during the World Cup. Although political displays are banned inside stadiums, it is understood the governing body "would not consider rainbow flags to fall into that bracket and fans would be welcome to wave them before and during games." Fears that the specter of homophobia and racism could deter some supporters from traveling to Russia are "very real." Far-right extremist groups have already "had around 300 people banned from attending the World Cup" (GUARDIAN, 11/28).
