Despite the various promotions of social reforms aimed at giving the country a more liberal image, this Wednesday, June 15, Saudi Arabia withdrew dolls and children’s toys “in the colors of homosexuality” from a shop in Ryad that as “in contrast to the Muslims” is faith”.
According to state media, Saudi authorities have confiscated “gay-colored” toys and clothing deemed “against the Muslim faith” from shops in the capital.
The Gulf monarchy has pushed social reforms aimed at giving the world and its youth a more liberal image in recent years, but religious conservatism and political repression remain very strong.
“We control products that run counter to Muslim beliefs and public morals and that display the colors of homosexuality and are aimed at the younger generation,” a Commerce Ministry official said during a report by government channel Al-Ekhbariya, which was broadcast on Tuesday Evening.
Target items include multicolored bows, skirts, hats, and kits, according to the channel’s images. “The flag of homosexuality is hanging in one of the shops in Riyadh,” was offended the journalist, who believes that these colors send a “poisonous message” to children.
Homosexuality, a crime in Saudi Arabia
The rainbow flag is a symbol of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) communities.
Homosexuality is a capital crime in Saudi Arabia, which is known for its strict interpretation of Sharia, Islamic law.
In April, the kingdom said it had asked Disney to remove “LGBTQ references” from Marvel’s film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which it was denied. The film was ultimately not shown in the country.
Disney’s latest animated film Buzz Lightyear, which features a kissing scene between two women, has been banned in Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other countries, a source close to Disney says. However, the Saudi authorities have not announced any official decision on the matter.
In December, authorities in neighboring Qatar, which is hosting this year’s FIFA World Cup, seized colorful toys. In early June, Kuwait called on the US chargé d’affaires to protest US embassy tweets supporting the LGBT community.