14 nations in the Middle East and Asia have banned the Pixar movie “Lightyear” from being featured in their theaters over the inclusion of a same-sex couple in the highly anticipated film.
The report from Reuters cites a source familiar with the matter.
Although most countries banning the film have not commented on their justification for the decision, the United Arab Emirates has confirmed that their ban is related to the same-sex scenes that violate their media content standards.
“Lightyear” is an animated film about astronaut Buzz Lightyear, a character plucked from the incredibly popular “Toy Story” movie franchise. One of the main character’s friends is a gay woman in a relationship with another woman.
Homosexuality is still outlawed in many countries.
“Lightyear” producer Galyn Susman said she expects that the film will also be banned in China, despite not having received an official decision from the communist-controlled country.
“We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing by the choices that he’s making, so that’s not getting cut,” said Susman to Reuters.
Chris Evans, who stars as the voice of the title character, also commented on the censorship.
“It’s great that we are a part of something that’s making steps forward in the social inclusion capacity, but it’s frustrating that there are still places that aren’t where they should be,” Evans said to Reuters.
In March, a report said that the film’s producers restored the scene of a same-sex kiss in the movie after several employees complained in the wake of the controversy surrounding the Parental Rights in Education law in Florida.
Other movies have been banned over their LGBTQ scenes, including “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “West Side Story,” and “Eternals.”
“Lightyear” will be released on June 17 in most countries.
Here’s more about the ban of ‘Lightyear’:
Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ Banned In Saudi Arabia Over Same-Gender Kiss | THR News www.youtube.com