Disney Pulls ‘Beauty And The Beast’ In Malaysia Following Censorship Issue

Scenes portraying homosexuality are forbidden in Malaysia, causing Disney to pull Beauty and the Beast from release in the country.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PREMIERE POSTPONED IN MALAYSIA, \

Disney was told that the film would only be approved to debut in Malaysia if they cut a scene depicting a “gay moment” from the feature. Chairman of the Malaysian Censorship Board, Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said aside from one moment, the film was good to go.

“We have approved it but there is a minor cut involving a gay moment,” Abdul Halim said. “It is only one short scene but it is inappropriate because many children will be watching this movie.” Beauty and the Beast has been given a PG-13 rating.

Disney has not responded to the request as of yet, but the premiere date, which was scheduled for this Thursday in Malaysia, has been postponed. According to director Bill Condon, the villain Gaston’s sidekick LeFrou “is confused about his sexuality.”

The film faced a similar fate in Russia, but was approved this week, but children under 16 are banned from viewing the live-action Disney classic.

In Malaysia, however, gay characters are allowed to be depicted, but only if they are either repentant or shown in a negative light. The act of sodomy, even if consensual, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and whipping in the Asian island nation. The censorship rules loosened in 2010, but still are strict about bikinis, kissing, and passionate hugs.