Mon Nov 25 13:03:11 UTC 2024: ## Malaysian Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch LGBTQ+ Watches

**Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia** – A Malaysian court has ordered the government to return 172 rainbow-colored Swatch watches seized last year, marking a victory for the Swiss watchmaker in its legal battle against the country’s restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled on Monday that the watches, part of Swatch’s Pride collection and featuring the LGBTQ+ acronym, must be returned to Swatch Group within 14 days.

The watches were confiscated in May 2023 from 16 Swatch outlets across Malaysia, where homosexuality is illegal. The government argued the watches’ design harmed public morality and national interest, subsequently prohibiting any LGBTQ+ references on Swatch products in the country. Swatch Group challenged the seizure, claiming it was unlawful and damaged their reputation.

While the court ordered the return of the watches, no costs were awarded to either party. The government, while respecting the court’s decision, indicated it will await the full judgment before deciding on a potential appeal. Despite the ruling, the watches are unlikely to be sold in Malaysia due to the existing government prohibition on LGBTQ+ imagery on Swatch products.

This decision comes amidst growing concerns regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Malaysia. Last July, the government cancelled a music festival following a same-sex kiss onstage by members of the British band The 1975. While Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration has positioned itself as progressive in certain areas, he has maintained that LGBTQ+ rights will not be recognized under his leadership. The case highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues and legal challenges to its enforcement.

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