Amazon restricts LGBTQ+ goods in UAE

Global online retail company, Amazon, has restricted the search and sale of LGBTQ+ products on its website in the United Arab Emirates.

The decision came after strong pressure from authorities in the countries of the Gulf State due to the illegality of same-sex relations in the UAE. A state where declaring support for the LGBTQ+ is an offence with a penalty of “confinement for a minimum period of one year” (UAE Penal Code article 356).

Support for LGBTQ+ in the Gulf state is punishable by a penalty of confinement for a minimum period of one year.

Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for Amazon said, “As a company, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we believe that the rights of LGBTQ+ people must be protected.”

“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.

The move to restrict the sale and searches were made after the United Arab Emirates threatened Amazon with sanctions, according to New York Times Today.

source https://www.jbklutse.com/amazon-restricts-lgbtq-goods-in-uae/