Saudi authorities have seized toys and clothing in the “colors of homosexuality”, deemed “contrary to the Muslim faith” from shops in the capital Riyadh, state media reported. The Gulf monarchy has in recent years promoted social reforms aimed at giving a more liberal image to the world and its youth, but religious conservatism and political repression remain very strong.
“We control products that are contrary to the Muslim faith and public morals and that display the colors of homosexuality, targeting the younger generation,” a Commerce Ministry official said in a report by the government channel Al- Ekhbariya broadcast on Tuesday evening.
A “poisonous message”
The targeted items include multicolored bows, skirts, hats and kits, according to images from the channel. “The flag of homosexuality is present in one of the stores in Riyadh”, was offended by the journalist, who believes that these colors send a “poisonous message” to children. The rainbow flag is a symbol of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) communities.
Homosexuality is a capital offense in Saudi Arabia, known for its strict interpretation of Sharia, Islamic law. In April, the kingdom said it had asked Disney to remove the film’s “LGBTQ references” from Marvel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which he was denied. The film was ultimately not screened in the country.
Buzz Lightyear cartoon banned
Moreover, Disney’s latest animated film, Buzz Lightning, which contains a kissing scene between two women, has been banned in Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other countries, according to a source close to Disney. However, the Saudi authorities have not announced an official decision on this subject.
In December, the authorities of Qatar, a neighboring country which will host the football World Cup at the end of the year, seized multicolored toys. And in early June, Kuwait summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires to protest tweets from the U.S. Embassy supporting the LGBT community.
