According to a prosecutor who spoke to Reuters, a Malaysian court on Monday ordered the government to release rainbow-colored timepieces and accessories manufactured by Swatch Group that were seized for LGBTQ rights-celebrating designs last year.
In Muslim-majority Malaysia, homosexuality is prohibited, and rights organizations have expressed concern over the country’s increasing intolerance of the LGBTI population.
Due to the inclusion of the abbreviation LGBTQ on the timepieces, Malaysia seized 172 rainbow-colored watches from the Swiss watchmaker’s Pride line from 16 stores in May 2023.
Subsequently, the government outlawed all LGBTQ references on Swatch watches, boxes, wrappers, accessories, and other products, citing concerns that they could undermine public interest and morality.
In a lawsuit, Swatch Group contested the confiscation, claiming it was unlawful and harming its brand.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered the watches to be returned to Swatch Group within 14 days, according to government prosecutor Mohammad Sallehuddin Md Ali on Monday.
In a quick text message to Reuters, he stated that no order (was provided) regarding costs.
Swatch Group’s attorney chose not to comment on the ruling. Swatch Group chose not to respond.
“The government respects the court’s decision and will wait for the full judgment to be released before deciding whether to challenge the verdict,” said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Because of the government’s prohibition order, it is unlikely that the watches would be marketed in Malaysia.
The British pop rock band The 1975’s leader kissed a male bandmate onstage at a music festival in Kuala Lumpur in July 2023, prompting the authorities to cancel the event.
Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister who was elected on a progressive platform two years ago, has said that his government will not recognize LGBTQ rights.
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