Malaysia Criminalizes LGBTQ Swatch Ownership with 3-Year Jail Sentence

Malaysia has banned all Swatch products that contain LGBTQ elements, including watches, wrappers, and boxes, with a punishment of up to three years in jail for anyone found in possession of such items. The ban, published in the Federal Gazette, is part of a printing law that cites concerns about the products being detrimental to the nation's morality. Malaysia already criminalizes same-sex relationships, with punishments ranging from caning to 20 years in prison. Swatch has contested the allegations, stating that their watches carry a message of peace and love, and has sued the government for damages and the return of confiscated watches.