These are a serious and unfounded allegations about the State of Qatar, which were included in the article published by The Times newspaper are based on misleading allegations and distortion of facts, not to mention their bias.
The biggest evidence of this is that it was not published in any media, as other media outlets obtained the same misleading information, but decided not to publish it after confirming its lack of credibility
Where you get your information, Andrew Norfolk, has a long record of promoting Islamophobia. This article is only his latest attempt. In addition, the newspaper was challenged by a parliamentary committee in Britain over his anti-Islam articles. It is alarming that a journalist with such a biased record is allowed to continue publishing his articles in The Times, especially in such times of great divisions in the world.
It's probably easier to just quote the law in Qatar. It's been a few years since I've been in Doha so can't confirm the current situation and whether things have improved since then, I wonder if someone local to the region could confirm the below for me but this is the law as I understand it.
On Homosexuality
Penal Code 2004, Article 281
Article 281 criminalises sexual intercourse ‘without compulsion, duress or ruse’ with a female with a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment. The provision is gender-neutral as to the other party so is applicable to same-sex intimacy between women.
Penal Code 2004, Article 285
Article 285 criminalises sexual intercourse ‘without compulsion, duress or ruse’ with a male with a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment. The provision is gender-neutral as to the other party so is applicable to same-sex intimacy between men.
Penal Code 2004, Article 296
Article 296 criminalises ‘leading, instigating or seducing a male in any way to commit sodomy’ and ‘inducing or seducing a male or female in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions’ with a penalty of between one and three years’ imprisonment. The term ‘immoral actions’ is undefined.
Sharia Law
In addition to the Penal Code provisions outlined here, Qatar operates Sharia courts in which it is technically possible for men who engage in same-sex intimacy to be sentenced to death.
On the rights of Women
Women must get permission from male “guardians” – fathers, brothers, uncles and husbands – to exercise many basic rights. They cannot be primary carers of their children, even if they are divorced or the children’s father has died. If the child has no male relative to act as guardian, the government takes on this role. When a woman is married, guardianship transfers from her father to her husband. The Family Law provides that she can be deemed “disobedient” if she does not obtain her husband’s permission before working, traveling, or if she leaves her home or refuses to have sex with him, without a “legitimate” reason. While the law gives men the ability to divorce unilaterally and without needing to inform their wife of their intention to divorce, women can only get a divorce by applying to the courts on limited grounds
Despite Qatar’s strong regional reputation for its healthcare service, women also face discrimination in their access to health care. Qatari law requires that in cases of abortion for fetal abnormalities, a woman needs the consent of the father, limiting a woman’s autonomy. Women also reported that they need a husband’s consent for some other forms of reproductive health care relating to fertility but the legal basis for these requirements is unclear. Women said they are required to show proof of marriage to access some sexual and reproductive health care.
On Migrant Workers
Qatar's law does not allow for foreign workers to form or join trade unions. An exit visa system prevents workers from leaving the country without the sponsor's permission. Employer consent is required to change jobs, leave the country, get a driver's license, rent a home or open a bank account.
Of course it's not just Qatar that has issues with the above, but the majority of developed countries have at least legalised homosexuality and allowed women to have full autonomy (although interestingly Switzerland didn't give the vote to women until the 70s!) Even so, the difference between the law and reality is often vastly different, particularly for LGBT rights.
