Riyadh, Sep 7: Gulf states have demanded Netflix remove all content deemed to violate “Islamic and societal values and principles”, Saudi media reported.
Recent material, including those made for children, contravened regulations, Saudi and Gulf Co-operation Council media watchdogs warned in a statement. It did not provide any further details, the BBC said.
Saudi state TV showed blurred clips from animated show “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”, in which two teenage girls confess they love each other and kiss.
Footage from the controversial French film “Cuties” also featured in the report by Al Ekhbariya TV, along with a caption accusing Netflix of using “cinematic cover for immoral messages that threaten the healthy upbringing of children”.
Another video on Al Ekhbariya’s website alleged that the streaming service was “promoting homosexuality by focusing excessively on homosexuals”.
“[Netflix] was contacted to remove this content, including content directed at children, and to ensure adherence to the laws,” the BBC quoted the joint statement from the Saudi General Commission for Audiovisual Media and the GCC Committee of Electronic Media Officials as saying.
Authorities would follow up on compliance with the directives, and “in the event that the infringing content continues to be broadcast, the necessary legal measures will be taken”, they warned.
There was no immediate response to the accusations from Netflix, the BBC added.
Although Sunni Muslim-ruled Saudi Arabia has no laws regarding sexual orientation or gender identity, sexual relations outside marriage, including homosexual sex, are strictly prohibited.
Under the country’s interpretation of Islamic law, consensual same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by death or flogging, depending on the perceived seriousness of the case.
In April, cinemas in Saudi Arabia did not screen the film “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” after Disney refused a request from Saudi authorities to cut what they called “LGBTQ references”.
And the animated film “Lightyear”, which featured a same-sex kiss, was reportedly banned in the kingdom and the UAE in June.
YouTube was accused last month by Saudi authorities of permitting “inappropriate adverts” that violated Islamic values.
