Sellers of Rainbow-Colored Swatch Timepieces in Malaysia Face Prison Sentence over ‘Harmful’ LGBTQ+ Symbols
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Owners or sellers of Swatch timepieces with rainbow colors could face up to three years in prison in Malaysia, according to the country’s interior ministry. The move comes as Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation, takes a strong stance against LGBTQ+ symbols, deeming them as potentially “harmful to morals.”
Homosexuality is still considered illegal in Malaysia, and LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination in the country. In May, the interior ministry’s law enforcement unit conducted raids on Swatch stores in 11 shopping malls across the nation, including the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The targeted raid was aimed at seizing timepieces that were said to bear “LGBT elements.”
The ministry stated in a recent statement that anyone found guilty of “printing, importing, producing… or having in his possession” such timepieces can face a jail term of up to three years. Additionally, individuals found wearing or distributing the watches could be fined 20,000 Malaysian ringgit (£3,425), as stipulated in the ban notice.
“The Malaysian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the watches may promote, support, and normalize the LGBTQ+ movement which is not accepted by the general public.
A ministry official revealed that 172 watches, worth $14,000 (£10,960), were seized during the raids in May. The confiscated timepieces were reported to bear the “LGBTQ” acronym and had six colors instead of the traditional seven-color rainbow emblem, which is one of the most recognizable symbols of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.
Critics argue that the seizure was made under the provisions of the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984, a law that has been condemned as draconian due to its repression of freedom of expression.
In response, Swatch filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government in June, asserting that the watches did not promote any sexual activity but were merely a “fun and joyous expression of peace and love.”
The issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia is likely to play a significant role in the upcoming elections in six Malaysian states on Saturday. The polls will serve as a gauge of public sentiment toward Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government, pitting it against a powerful opposition coalition comprised of Malay-Muslim political parties.
Anwar has faced criticism from the opposition, who argue that he is not doing enough to protect Malaysia’s Islamic values. In response, Anwar affirmed that his government will not support LGBTQ+ rights.
This controversial move by Malaysia underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in countries where such acts are criminalized. As the international community increasingly pushes for inclusiveness and acceptance, Malaysia’s harsh stance continues to isolate and discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation.