Saudi promo video labels feminism, atheism, homosexuality as extremist ideas

 | 
11/11/2019

A promotional video published by Saudi Arabia’s state security agency categorises feminism, homosexuality and atheism as extremist ideas, even as the conservative Muslim kingdom seeks to promote tolerance and attract foreigners. The animated clip posted on Twitter at the weekend by a verified account of the State Security Presidency said “all forms of extremism and perversion are unacceptable”. It listed those concepts alongside takfir – the Islamist militant practice of labelling followers of other schools of Islam unbelievers. “Don’t forget that excess of anything at the expense of the homeland is considered extremism,” said the promo’s voiceover. As part of plans to open up society and attract foreign investment to transform Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed for a more moderate form of Islam and promoted nationalist sentiment. He has loosened social restrictions and launched a tourist visa and, as Saudi Arabia prepares to take over the presidency of the Group of 20 countries next year, Riyadh has chipped away at a guardianship system that assigns each woman a male relative to approve important decisions throughout their lives.

Regions: ,

Share this:

Latest Global News

Added on: 11/05/2024
11/04/2024
In August, a principal in the Bangladeshi city of Kurigram was suspended from his job after allegations surfaced that he is gay, part of …
Added on: 11/05/2024
11/04/2024
As anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and hate crimes continue to rise, GLAAD CEO and president Sarah Kate Ellis talks with NBC News’ Savannah Sellers about the …
Added on: 11/04/2024
11/03/2024
The West African nation of Mali, which has been ruled by a military junta for more than three years, has voted for a new …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from ,

Added on: 11/05/2024
In August, a principal in the Bangladeshi city of Kurigram was suspended from his job after allegations surfaced that he is gay, part of …
Added on: 11/04/2024
On 22 October, Chinese host and dancer Jin Xing sparked an online uproar with a lengthy post on Weibo charging that her performance application …
Added on: 11/04/2024
Japan’s Tokyo High Court ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional during a hearing on Wednesday. The Tokyo court ruled that the …