State media reported that Saudi officials are seizing rainbow-coloured toys and clothing from shops in the capital as part of a crackdown on homosexuality. Targeted items include rainbow-coloured bows, skirts, hats, and pencil cases, according to a report broadcast Tuesday evening on the state-run Al-Ekhbariya news channel. The majority of these items were apparently manufactured for young children.
An official from the commerce ministry, which is involved in the campaign, explains, “We are giving a tour of the items that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colours by targeting the youth.”
In April, the kingdom stated that it had asked Disney to remove “LGBTQIA+
references” from the latest Marvel film, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” but that Disney had refused. The film was ultimately not shown in Saudi theatres.
The latest Disney animated film, “Lightyear,” which features a same-sex kiss, has also been banned in Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other countries, a source close to Disney told AFP on Tuesday. However, Riyadh has not commented on this film.
A journalist indicates a rainbow flag and states, “The homosexuality flag is present in one of Riyadh’s markets.”
Homosexuality is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, a country notorious for its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law, which forms the basis of its entire legal system.
Al-report Ekhbariya’s on Tuesday also included stills of Benedict Cumberbatch in “Doctor Strange” and what appeared to be children from other countries waving rainbow flags.
The report did not specify how many businesses were targeted or what items were seized, and Saudi officials did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment on Wednesday.
