Why have Kuwait and Lebanon banned Barbie?
Lebanon’s Minister of Culture has taken steps to ban the movie “Barbie” from theatres, citing worries over its alleged promotion of homosexuality and clash with religious principles.
The decision has the backing of the powerful Shiite armed force Hezbollah, commanded by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who has spoken out against the LGBT community.
The film has also been banned in Kuwait on similar grounds.
Why have Kuwait and Lebanon banned Barbie?
Lebanon has always been regarded as a reasonably secure haven for the LGBT population in the conservative Middle East, even hosting a gay pride week in 2017.
Recent occurrences, however, such as restrictions on events “promoting sexual perversion” and requests to take action against materials supporting homosexuality, have heightened tensions.
Nasrallah recently urged Lebanese authorities to take harsh steps against content he viewed as promoting homosexuality, arguing for its criminalisation.
He stated that he considers homosexuality to be an impending threat to Lebanon’s societal fabric, emphasising the importance of strong intervention.
Notably, he supported harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for engaging in same-sex partnerships regardless of marital status.
In another development, Lebanon’s cabinet, following a meeting with major Christian figure Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, urged the population to support traditional family values.
Despite not directly addressing the LGBT community, this comment sparked debate regarding its potential ramifications.
The executive director of the non-profit Samir Kassir Foundation, Ayman Mhanna, expressed worry about the recent activities, portraying them as part of a larger pattern of intolerance.
He emphasised the apparent coordination of forces such as Hezbollah, the far-right Christian faction, and important religious leaders against the LGBT community.
Mhanna believes that this coalition symbolises a troubling surge of intolerance.
“Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the title characters, has surpassed $1 billion in global box office sales since its July 21 debut.
The film recounts the exploits of Mattel Inc’s renowned doll as she embarks on a real-world trip.
