Saudi Arabia seizes rainbow toys that promote homosexual colors

Saudi officials are seizing rainbow-coloured toys and articles of clothing from shops in Riyadh as part of a crackdown on homosexuality, state media reported. Targeted items include rainbow-colored bows, skirts, hats and pencil cases, most of them apparently manufactured for young children, according to a report by the state-run Al-Ekhbariya news channel. “We are giving a tour of the items that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colors targeting the younger generation,” said an official from the commerce ministry, which is involved in the campaign.

In Saudi Arabia children toys and accessories with rainbow colors… or any colors have been confiscated from stores claiming they are targeting children to promote homosexuality, majority of the items were only colored. Period. Or just have rainbow colors.pic.twitter.com/piO1niS9yG

— Meriam Al Sultan سا(حرة) (@AlSultan_Meriam) June 15, 2022

The colours send a "poisoned message" to children, the report says. Homosexuality is a potential capital offence in Saudi Arabia, known for its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law which forms the basis of its entire judicial system. In April, the kingdom said it had asked Disney to cut "LGBTQ references" from "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness", the latest Marvel movie, but that Disney had refused.The film ultimately did not screen in Saudi cinemas.