Beauty and the Beast is out worldwide today but it seems that Malaysian viewers might wait a bit longer, or maybe forever, as the Film Censorship Board in Malaysia has delayed the live-action remake showing of the hit Disney film, due to a “gay-moment”.
Disney, the producer of “Beauty and the Beast”, has not allowed the censorship of a ‘gay-moment’ in the movie, having to indefinitely postpone the screening of the movie. According to Abdul Halim Abdul hamid, chairperson of the Film Censorship Board in Malaysia, scenes promoting homosexuality are banned in the country. This is in strict compliance of the country’s Islamic belief. Homosexual activities are not permitted by law and is punishable by public flogging or imprisonment for up to 20 years.
“Beauty and the Beast” is starred by Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans and many more.
Russia last week has approved of the movie’s showing for ages 16 and above after criticisms that the film might complicate with the country’s “anti-gay propaganda laws”.
This is Disney’s first depiction of a gay character in any of its movies.