In Saudi crackdown on LGBTQ expression, even rainbow toys aren't safe

It’s the latest crackdown by Saudi Arabia and some of its neighbors on objects and forms of art and expression that feature gay characters or are seen as promoting LGBTQ rights, including superhero movies not being shown in Saudi cinemas because they feature same-sex couples and hundreds of kites confiscated in Syria for their many colors.

The Saudi Commerce Ministry posted a video on Twitter this week that shows its officials going through stores and inspecting toys, backpacks and other items for rainbow hues.

“Our supervisory teams make the rounds of sales outlet and seize and confiscate products that contain symbols and signs that call for aberration and contradict correct nature, and impose penalties on facilities in violation,” the post said, using a derogatory word to refer to homosexuality.

The Commerce Ministry did not respond to a request for comment from The Washington Post.

The crackdown was also chronicled by the state-owned television channel Al Ekhbariya, with a reporter following ministry staffers through shops in the capital, Riyadh, as they confiscated toys, hats and other accessories, while ominous music played in the background.

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