Malaysian court orders return of Swatch watches featuring LGBTQ designsAuthorities in the Southeast Asian country, where homosexuality is illegal, seized 172 rainbow-colored watches from 16 of the Swiss watchmaker's outlets last year.
Link to Full ArticleNBC News - Nov. 26, 2024, 2:20 AM MST / Source: Reuters
A Malaysian court ordered the government on Monday to return rainbow-colored watches and accessories made by Swatch Group that were seized last year for designs celebrating LGBTQ rights, a prosecutor told Reuters.
Homosexuality is illegal in Muslim-majority Malaysia, and rights groups have warned of growing intolerance toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in the Southeast Asian country.
In May 2023, Malaysia confiscated 172 rainbow-colored watches from the Swiss watchmaker's "Pride collection" from 16 outlets due to the presence of the acronym "LGBTQ" on the timepieces.
The government later prohibited any LGBTQ references on Swatch watches, boxes, wrappers, accessories or other items, saying such products may harm morality and public interest.--------------------
I realize that many countries have severe laws that are very oppressive. But seriously, how petty do you have to get to confiscate rainbow-colored watches? And saying "Such products may harm morality and public interest"? I think that is quite a stretch.
My heart goes out to all the people of the world who are forced to live under such ridiculous conditions. I am happy the court ordered the watches returned.
Be safe out there. The world has gone insane. People care where you pee.
