Malaysia vows to ban more LGBTQ+ inclusive films after pulling Thor: Love and Thunder
The Malaysian government has doubled down on its censorship of films with “LGBT elements” after banning Thor: Love and Thunder.
On 28 July, Malaysia’s Golden Screen Cinemas announced that screenings for Marvel’s latest release were no longer taking place after a two-week delay. “Dear valued customers, please be informed that Disney has updated that Marvel Studios’ Thor Love and Thunder will not be releasing in Malaysia after all,” the company said in a vague social media.
However on 10 August, Malaysia’s Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin finally revealed that the film was cancelled over its LGBTQ+ characters. “Recently, there was a film that did not pass censorship, that is the new Thor film,” he said during a Parliamentary State Council Q&A (per Variety). “[The movie] touched on LGBT but we see right now there are many films with LGBT elements that slip past the censorship.
Zahidi then claimed that films are using subtle ways to incorporate queer elements as way to “promote LGBT.” “Now there are many films on television, that passed (censorship), are full of LGBT elements,” he continued. “I am frustrated because the outside world was the one promoting LGBT.” The minister also said that the government is constantly monitoring films and social media for LGBTQ+ content and “would take serious action against people found supporting such aspects.” Towards the end of his Parliament appearance, Zahidi revealed that the government’s censorship abilities only cover cinemas and broadcast TV – leaving streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix to air previously banned films. “We cannot control overseas platforms that are easily reached online – but activities in the country, we have no issues.
