Malaysian authorities seize rainbow Pride Swatch watches
In the predominantly Muslim country, same-sex relationships are illegal and people could face up to 20 years in prison if the rules are broken, for sodomy under Islamic laws. But Swatch boss Nick Hayek says the brand "strongly contests" that the watches are "harmful".
Tuesday 23 May 2023 16:59, UK
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has said authorities in Malaysia raided its stores and confiscated 164 watches that were part of its Pride Collection.
The watches were seized across various malls in the country on 13 and 14 May because they "bore LGBT connotations", the brand said.
The watches come in a choice of six colours, matching those on the Pride flag, and have two rainbow loops on their straps.
Swatch Group chief executive Nick Hayek said in a statement that the brand "strongly contest" that the watches are "harmful".
He added: "We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever.
"On the contrary, Swatch always promotes a positive message of joy in life. This is nothing political.
"We wonder how the Regulatory and Enforcement Division of the Home Ministry will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up a thousand times a year in the AG百家乐在线官网 of Malaysia."
In the predominantly Muslim country, same-sex relationships are illegal and people could face up to 20 years in prison if the rules are broken, for sodomy under Islamic laws.
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Swatch said it has resumed selling the Pride Collection watches and that its legal department is looking into the seizure.
Gay rights group Jejaka condemned the confiscation of the watches, saying it showed "a deeply unsettling level of intolerance".
"It is more than a matter of colourful watches," it said in a statement.
"It's about respect for diversity, freedom of expression, and, most importantly, love."
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Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution has told the AP news agency that he will wait for a full report into the matter before issuing a statement.
It follows the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party recently criticising a scheduled concert in November by Coldplay because of its support of the LGBT movement.