Why is Disney Pixar's Lightyear banned in some countries?

A kiss exchanged by two LGBTQ women characters has triggered conservative reactions, ironically as the world celebrates Pride Month

Disney Pixar’s new animated movie ‘Lightyear’ has been banned by 14 countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia ahead of its June 17 release for showing two women characters, who are partners, exchange a kiss.

Hollywood films having mentions of or showing LGBTQ characters on screen have previously been censored in many countries. Studios have often made edits to films, and cut out such scenes and characters to release films in these countries. However, Disney has been indicating for some time now that it would stick to its stance of not editing its films.

The controversy comes during the annual Pride Month of June, which sees commemorations of the movement for LGBTQ rights, as well as celebrations and activism. The film opened in theatres across India on Friday (June 17).

‘Lightyear’ is a prequel spin-off of the critically and commercially acclaimed ‘Toy Story’ series. In it, the central character of Buzz ‘Lightyear’ has a friend who is in a relationship with another woman. Buzz Lightyear is voiced by Avengers actor Chris Evans, who told Reuters of the ban: “There’s always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before. But those people die off like dinosaurs…I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.”

So far, 14 countries — largely in Southeast Asia and the Middle East — have banned the film, mainly under laws that ban homosexuality or its depiction onscreen. The UAE said the couple’s relationship violated the country’s media content standards. Homosexuality is criminalised in the country.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-disney-new-film-lightyear-ban-7975167/

---