TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Malaysian court orders return of Swatch LGBTQ-themed watches
In May 2023, Malaysia confiscated 172 rainbow-colored watches from the Swiss watchmaker's 'Pride collection' from 16 outlets due to the presence of the acronym 'LGBTQ' on the timepieces.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Equal rights advocacy supporters wave rainbow flags as they mark Pride Month at a rally in Quezon City, Philippines, June 2, 2023. (BenarNews/Basilio Sepe)
A
Malaysian court ordered the government on Monday to return rainbow-colored watches and accessories made by Swatch Group UHR.S that were seized last year for designs celebrating LGBTQ rights, a prosecutor told Reuters.
Homosexuality is illegal in Muslim-majority Malaysia, and rights groups have warned of growing intolerance toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in the Southeast Asian country.
In May 2023, Malaysia confiscated 172 rainbow-colored watches from the Swiss watchmaker's 'Pride collection' from 16 outlets due to the presence of the acronym 'LGBTQ' on the timepieces.
The government later prohibited any LGBTQ references on Swatch watches, boxes, wrappers, accessories or other items, saying such products may harm morality and public interest.
Swatch Group filed a lawsuit challenging the seizure, saying it was illegal and damaged its reputation.
On Monday, government prosecutor Mohammad Sallehuddin Md Ali said the Kuala Lumpur High Court had ruled the watches must be returned to Swatch Group within 14 days.
"No order [was given] as to costs," he said in a brief text message to Reuters.
A lawyer for Swatch Group declined to comment on the decision.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government respected the court's decision and would wait for the full judgement to be released before deciding whether to challenge the verdict.
The watches are unlikely to be sold in Malaysia due to the government's prohibition order.
In July 2023, the government halted a music festival in Kuala Lumpur after the frontman of British pop rock band The 1975 kissed a male bandmate onstage.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who came into power two years ago on a progressive campaign, has said LGBTQ rights will not be recognized by his administration.
