🔗 Share this article Seattle's LGBTQ+ Pride Will Go Ahead for World Cup Despite Objections from Egypt and Iran Plans for Pride-focused events and activities in Seattle amid next summer’s World Cup are proceeding as scheduled, even after the Egyptian and Iranian football federations raised strong concerns about a scheduled “Pride Match.” Stadium Policy Alongside External Festivities Local organizers stated clearly they are “moving forward as planned” with celebratory programming outside the stadium. This coincides with the Group G match between Iran and Egypt on 26 June. Furthermore, the tournament's governing body has a policy allowing rainbow flags inside the match venue. “In our role as hosts, our primary task is to get the city ready to welcome visitors for the matches and oversee the city experience beyond Seattle Stadium,” stated the vice-president of communications. Legal Context Behind the Objections Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, while in Egypt, morality laws are frequently employed to target and prosecute individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. Egypt's football association declared it refused to be associated with events that “directly contradict the social, religious and cultural values … in Islamic and Arab societies.” In a parallel move, Iran’s football federation publicly registered “its opposition against the issue.” FIFA's Stance on Flags and Banners Fifa maintains operational control of stadiums during games. While its rules forbid banners and flags with political messages, it allows flags expressing “sporting and social symbols,” which explicitly includes the Pride flag. This policy was applied at the previous tournament in Qatar and was reaffirmed following reports of flags being seized. This special fixture was an idea created to highlight the city's proud history of advocating for equality. A design contest has been commissioned to create images to commemorate the occasion. Planners have pledged to making sure all fans are welcomed in the city throughout the tournament. The region is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian expatriate community, and diverse populations representing all nations. “We’re committed is to ensuring all residents and visitors encounter the warmth, respect and dignity that characterizes our part of the country,” the statement added.