Swatch Pride collection watches.(photo: Swatch)The government of Malaysia has declared all Swatch products — including watches, wrappers and boxes — that feature LGBTQ characteristics are now banned.
Anyone found with one could be punished with up up to 3 years in jail.
Malaysia has banned all Swatch products that contain LGBTQ elements, warning that anyone found with one could be jailed for up to 3 years.
In May, authorities raided Swatch stores and confiscated more than 160 watches from its Pride Collection. https://t.co/a3lcq3AdbM
— NBC News World (@NBCNewsWorld) August 10, 2023
From NBC News:
The ban has been published in the Federal Gazette — which makes it official — as part of a printing law that includes distribution and possession, citing concerns that such products were detrimental to the nation’s morality.
Malaysia, which is predominantly Muslim, already criminalizes same-sex relationships, with punishments ranging from caning under Islamic laws to 20 years in prison for sodomy under colonial-era civil laws.
In May, authorities raided Swatch stores and confiscated more than 160 watches from its Pride Collection.
Some of the watches have rainbow colors while others are in a choice of six single colors that correlate to the gay pride flag, with two rainbow loops on their straps.
In 2019, two tourists were arrested in their hotel room in Malaysia for having consensual sex.
They might as well ban the rainbow from nature at this point…
Malaysia banned Swatch Group's products which contain LGBTQ+ elements after confiscating pride-themed watches made by the Swiss company in May, as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government to keep conservative voters happy https://t.co/VQp1lhf6pF pic.twitter.com/8BJtPEEIfZ
— Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) August 10, 2023