The Gay Games, an LGBTQ sports festival scheduled to take place in Hong Kong this November, has raised safety concerns due to the city's national security laws.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Nov. 16 local time that organizers of the Gay Games are under pressure after some overseas officials and participants said they would not participate in the event to avoid inadvertently violating Hong Kong's national security laws.
"There are safety and security issues in Hong Kong," Shamie Cramer, an honorary life member of the International Gay Games Federation, told the SCMP, adding that "the United States and other governments are warning of arbitrary law enforcement (in Hong Kong) that poses risks to travelers."
He revealed that he sent a letter to the International Gay Games Federation last year asking them not to allow Hong Kong to host the event.
Add to that the fact that some LGBT rights activists in Hong Kong are also calling for the Games to be canceled.
The Gay Games have been held every four years since 1982, with the last edition taking place in Paris in 2018 and attracting 10,000 participants.
The Hong Kong 카지노사이트킴 Games were originally scheduled to take place last year, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now take place on November 3-11.
LGBT rights activists in Hong Kong have warned that anyone who has criticized China or Hong Kong in the past risks arrest upon arrival.
Against this backdrop, organizers of the Hong Kong Gay Games have lowered their target and are now aiming for around 3,000 participants.
The organizers say they will promote to prospective participants that Hong Kong is a safe city to visit and has a low crime rate.
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