Swiss watchmaker Swatch has successfully challenged the Malaysian government over the seizure of 172 watches displaying LGBTQ-inspired designs. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the watches were confiscated in May last year without a warrant and mandated their return within 14 days. Swatch is also entitled to claim damages if any timepieces were harmed during their confiscation. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution stated that the government is awaiting the written judgment before deciding on a potential appeal.
Authorities had targeted Swatch stores countrywide, removing watches from their Pride Collection, which features rainbow straps and colors associated with the LGBTQ pride flag. Swatch defended its products, asserting the designs embody "a message of peace and love." The legal outcome challenges the country's stern stance on LGBTQ matters, where same-sex relationships face severe legal penalties, including caning and lengthy prison sentences under Islamic and colonial-era laws.
Months after the seizures, Malaysia imposed a ban on Swatch products containing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer elements under a printing law. Anyone found with one can be punished by up to three years in jail. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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