Saudi Authorities Are Seizing Rainbow-Colored Children’s Toys For “Promoting Homosexuality”
Saudi officials are seizing rainbow-colored toys and articles of clothing from shops in the capital, Riyadh, as part of a crackdown on LGBT rights.
Saudi officials are seizing rainbow-colored toys and articles of clothing from shops in the capital, Riyadh, as part of a crackdown on LGBT rights.
Seized items include rainbow-colored bows, skirts, hats and pencil cases, mostly intended for young children, according to a video broadcast by the state-owned TV channel Al Ekhbariya on Tuesday June 14.
“We are giving a tour of the items that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colors targeting the younger generation,” an official said in the video, according to the BBC.
A voice over said the toys “are nothing but poisoned messages that target the innocence of children,” according to the Washington Post.
In another video posted on the Saudi Commerce Ministry’s Twitter, officials went through stores and inspected toys and other items that contained rainbow colors.
Same-sex sexual conduct could be punished by death or flogging in Saudi Arabia under the country’s interpretation of Islamic law, according to the BBC.
The kingdom has also banned films that show or refer to sexual minorities, according to the Guardian.
Marvel’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is not being shown in the country after Disney refused to Saudi authorities’ request to cut LGBT references in the film.
Disney and Pixar’s animated film “Lightyear” will also not be shown as it contains a same-sex kiss; Variety reported that the film was not submitted to authorities for approval as the studios did not think it would get approved.
