Gulf countries threaten Netflix with legal action over its LGBTQ+ content
Officials for the Gulf states have threatened Netflix with legal action over its inclusion of LGBTQ+ TV shows and movies. On 6 September, Saudi Arabia’s media regulator and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – which consists of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar – released a joint statement asking Netlix to remove its LGBTQ+ content.
In the document, the two parties revealed that their decision stemmed from a “recent observation that the platform was broadcasting visual material and content which violates content controls in GCC countries.” “(The content) violates the Islamic and societal values and principles.
As such, the platform was contacted to remove this content, including content directed at children, and to ensure adherence to the laws,” the statement said (per Arab News).
The committee also revealed that they would “follow up on the platform’s compliance with the directives” before stating that “legal measures” would be taken if they didn’t comply.
