‘Immoral Content’: Arab Countries Demand Netflix To Remove LGBTQ Shows, Movies From Platform

In a surprising move of cooperation between the Gulf Arab states, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council has demanded that Netflix remove LGBT content from its platform as they attempt to control the kind of media that is broadcast in their country.

Saudi Arabia, speaking for the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, has issued an ultimatum asking for Netflix to take down content that they believe runs contrary to Islamic values, threatening legal action against the streaming giant if they do not comply, according to the BBC.

“[Netflix] was contacted to remove this content, including content directed at children, and to ensure adherence to the laws,” the joint statement said.

The United Arab Emirates also put out a statement where they say that Netflix has violated the local regulations of the country, and that they will be looking at potential legal action for the content that “contradicts the country's societal value,” CNN reported.

Many believe that the new demand targets queer and LGBT content, after the Saudi-run Al Ekhbariya news channel ran segments condemning the same-sex relationships found in such Netflix series as “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous,” claiming that it “[promotes] sexual deviance.”

“Pay a monthly fee to Netflix, and your child gets to watch this immoral content,” one of the segment’s voiceovers said over a blurred clip of two of the female characters from the series in an embrace.

Censorship from the Gulf Arab countries over LGBT content has been increasing this year, with big blockbuster films such as “Lightyear” and “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” not being shown in the country after Disney refused to cut the LGBT references and scenes in the movies.

Saudi Arabia has also censored Netflix in the past after the streamer removed an episode of “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” that was critical to the kingdom from their app in the country on their request.

Netflix has not yet responded to the demand of the countries.