Online retail giant Amazon has restricted search results related to LGBT people and issues on its website in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The firm reportedly took the step after coming under pressure from officials in the Gulf state.
Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates – one of 69 countries where being gay is a crime. The news comes as Pride Month, which is dedicated to dating LGBT people around the world, worldwide
“As a company, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we believe that the rights of LGBTQ+ people must be protected,” an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC.
“With Amazon stores around the world, we must also comply with the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate,” they added.
Earlier this month, Kuwait’s foreign ministry said it had summoned a top US diplomat to protest a US embassy tweet supporting LGBT rights. US officials posted a rainbow flag and a message of solidarity for Pride Month from President Joe Biden.
Kuwaiti officials criticized the embassy for “supporting homosexuality” and demanded that this not happen again. The rights of LGBT people are severely restricted in Kuwait and it is illegal for men to be gay.
Also this month, authorities in Saudi Arabia confiscated rainbow-coloured toys and children’s clothing, which they claim encourage homosexuality, state TV said. A report by al-Ekhbariya showed commerce ministry officials removing various items in Riyadh.
These included hair clips, Pop-Its, T-shirts, hats and pencil cases.