Many Question All the Fuss Over Mexican Anti-Gay Chants at World Cup Matches David Agren - The Christian Science Monitor
go to original June 22, 2014

Mexico soccer fans regularly chant a homophobic slur during opposition goal kicks. Fans of El Tri  – along with Brazil, Croatia, and Russia – are now under investigation by FIFA. (Eduardo Verdugo/Associated Press)

MEXICO CITY — Mexican soccer fans travel en masse to the World Cup, bringing strong support for a squad that’s famous for stalling out in the sport’s top tournament. They also bring a well-known chant, which is screamed from the stands during opposition goal kicks.

The chant “puto,” a homophobic slur, commonly rings out in stadiums across Mexico. But fans have taken the “tradition” abroad, shouting it in World Cup contests against Cameroon and Brazil this month.

That's attracted the attention of international TV viewers and soccer officials. Spanish-language broadcaster Univision has muted the sound during goal kicks in Mexico games. And FIFA, soccer’s governing body, said Thursday that it’s investigating the matter – potentially harming the Mexican team's standing.
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“It’s completely homophobic,” says Alejandro Brito Lemus, director of the Mexican magazine Letra S, which covers HIV/AIDS and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) issues, referring to the word used.

Mexico has slowly moved forward in protecting LGBTQ rights in recent years. Mexico City recognizes same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court has done the same for unions in some states, and tolerance has become more common in major cities. But curbing the homophobic chant may prove problematic, as many Mexicans see its use in soccer as good, clean fun and an attempt to pressure the opposing goalie – nothing to be scandalized over. Many in Mexico say they are nonplussed by the scandal and that they separate the soccer stadium from the street.

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