A Malaysian court has ruled that the government must return 172 watches seized from Swatch over alleged "LGBT elements," highlighting ongoing tensions around LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
Court Orders Malaysia to Return Seized Swatch LGBT Watches
Court Orders Malaysia to Return Seized Swatch LGBT Watches
Malaysia's confiscation of watches ignites legal and human rights concerns.
The Malaysian government has been ordered by a court to return 172 rainbow-themed watches taken from Swatch amid claims they violated local laws against homosexuality, which carries severe penalties in the Muslim-majority nation. Authorities confiscated the timepieces, asserting that they contained “LGBT elements.” However, the court decided that the seizure was unlawful because the government lacked a warrant and the prohibition on selling those watches was only enacted months later.
Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the government’s legal team would review the court's decision before considering an appeal, emphasizing the need to respect the ruling to avoid contempt of court. He acknowledged that while the order to return the watches stands, they cannot be sold due to the existing prohibition.
The confiscation of the watches occurred during a series of raids in May 2023, and the court clarified that Swatch had not violated any laws at the time of the seizure. Although the authorities must return the watches, valued at around $14,000 (£10,700), the ban on their sale remains in effect.
Swatch had initiated legal action in response to the seizure, arguing that the colorful watches posed no threat to public order or morality. The brand described the Pride flag as a universal symbol, emphasizing inclusivity for all genders and races. On the other hand, Malaysian officials have expressed concerns that the watches could promote and normalize the LGBTQ+ movement, which they deem unacceptable in the context of Malaysian society.
The Swatch Group has opted to refrain from making public comments on the court's ruling. This case not only raises questions about the legalities of product seizure but also examines broader issues of LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia, a nation grappling with a complex mix of secular and religious laws.
Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the government’s legal team would review the court's decision before considering an appeal, emphasizing the need to respect the ruling to avoid contempt of court. He acknowledged that while the order to return the watches stands, they cannot be sold due to the existing prohibition.
The confiscation of the watches occurred during a series of raids in May 2023, and the court clarified that Swatch had not violated any laws at the time of the seizure. Although the authorities must return the watches, valued at around $14,000 (£10,700), the ban on their sale remains in effect.
Swatch had initiated legal action in response to the seizure, arguing that the colorful watches posed no threat to public order or morality. The brand described the Pride flag as a universal symbol, emphasizing inclusivity for all genders and races. On the other hand, Malaysian officials have expressed concerns that the watches could promote and normalize the LGBTQ+ movement, which they deem unacceptable in the context of Malaysian society.
The Swatch Group has opted to refrain from making public comments on the court's ruling. This case not only raises questions about the legalities of product seizure but also examines broader issues of LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia, a nation grappling with a complex mix of secular and religious laws.
