Lebanon’s Culture Minister, Mohammad Mortada, has initiated a ban on the screening of the movie “Barbie” in cinemas, citing concerns about its alleged “promotion of homosexuality” and its perceived conflict with religious values, as reported by Reuters.
This decision has received backing from Hezbollah, an influential Shi’ite armed group led by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah and Hezbollah have been increasingly vocal against the LGBT community, referencing religious texts that prescribe severe penalties for individuals engaging in homosexuality. The film “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, had previously faced bans in Vietnam and the Philippines.
Following Lebanon’s move, Kuwait has also imposed bans on both “Barbie” and the supernatural horror film “Talk to Me,” with the intention of safeguarding “public ethics and social traditions.”
Mortada’s action is based on the assertion that the film allegedly promotes “homosexuality and sexual transformation” while conflicting with religious and moral principles that emphasize the importance of the family structure. Consequently, Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi has requested the censorship committee of General Security, responsible for censorship decisions under the interior ministry, to review the film and provide recommendations.
Lebanon, which held the first gay pride week in the Arab world in 2017, has been relatively more tolerant towards the LGBT community in comparison to other conservative Middle Eastern countries. However, recent developments have highlighted societal tensions on this matter.
During a meeting with Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai, the country’s top Christian cleric, the Lebanese cabinet urged citizens to uphold “family values.” However, the statement did not explicitly address the LGBT community. Ayman Mhanna, the executive director of the civic organization Samir Kassir Foundation, contextualized Mortada’s decision as part of a “wave of bigotry,” according to Reuters.
The film “Barbie,” featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, delves into the iconic doll’s journey into reality. Since its premiere on July 21, the movie has achieved substantial success, grossing over $1 billion in global box office ticket sales.
