Malaysia’s Islamic government will continue to censor LGBT content in films such as Thor and Lightyear

The Malaysian government has confirmed that the film Thor: Love and thunder it couldn’t be released in theaters due to its LGBT elements. A minister even said Wednesday that the government is determined to curb gay culture.

So much Thorwith Chris Hemsworthlike the animated film Light year were presented by Disney to the Malaysian censorship and classification committee. In both cases, the Film Censorship Chamber requested some cuts that the studio decided not to make, which is why those two films were not released.

“We’re not removing anything, especially something as important as the inspiring, loving relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing out on because of the choices he makes, so it won’t be removed,” producer Galyn Susman warned on the carpet. preview of the film in London.

Light year it has been banned in more than 16 countriesthe Muslim majority, for their rejection of a scene in which there is a kiss between two female characters.

These are nations located in the Middle East and Asia, such as Kuwait, Indonesia, Egypt, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, among others, where homosexuality is considered a crime.

monitor movies

As stated by the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Zahidi Zainul Abidin, “Recently there was a film that did not pass censorship, and it was Thor, because it touched on LGBT issues. We also noticed that many films with LGBT elements have escaped us. “

Zahidi said the government and the religious wing, the Department of Islamic Affairs (JAKIM) were determined to curb the spread of LGBT culture in the country. He accused LGBT films of being more subtle and asked the audience to file a complaint if they see anything odd.

In a parliamentary questioning, he said that the government always monitors films and social media for LGBT content and that “they will take severe measures against people who promote such elements.”

It also revealed that its scope is limited and doesn’t cover streaming platforms or apps like TikTok and Netflix, which are based outside of their country. Maybe that’s why Lightyear is reportedly appearing on Disney + with the No Under 18 sign.

“We cannot control the platforms from abroad, but we have always been very firm and strict with the activities within our country,” he added. Zahidi advised Malaysians to restrict their children’s access to such content.

anti-LGBT

The Malaysian government’s decision to censor LGBT content pits the country against American Hollywood studios and producers, as many of them find themselves going in the opposite direction: increasing their efforts to represent diversity.

Malaysia has laws promoting racial and religious tolerance among the country’s three largest ethnic groups, but Muslims show no tolerance. The criminal code criminalizes relations between two people of the same sex and the penalty can include up to 20 years of imprisonment and whipping.

Other films that have been censored in Malaysia include Rocket manthe biography of Elton John.

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