In the United Arab Emirates, the online retailer Amazon has limited the search results for LGBT individuals and causes (UAE).
The company apparently made the action in response to pressure from the Gulf state’s government.
In the UAE, same-sex relationships are forbidden. The act of expressing support for LGBT rights may potentially be illegal.
The announcement comes as Pride month, a time to honour LGBT individuals globally, draws to a close.
“As a company, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we believe that the rights of LGBTQ+ people must be protected,” an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC.
“With Amazon stores around the world, we must also comply with the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate,” they added.
The company made the decision to restrict the searches after being threatened with penalties by the UAE government, according to the New York Times , which first reported the story.
The UAE embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC.
The Kuwaiti foreign ministry reported earlier this month that it had summoned a senior US diplomat in retaliation for tweets from the American embassy endorsing LGBT rights.
In honour of Pride month, US officials there hoisted a rainbow flag and a message of support from President Joe Biden.
The embassy was criticised by Kuwaiti officials for “promoting homosexuality,” and they asked that it not happen again.
Kuwait severely restricts the rights of LGBT individuals, and it is against the law for men to be gay there.
State TV reported that authorities in Saudi Arabia also took toys and children’s clothing last month because they believe these items promote homosexuality.
A report from Al-Ekhbariya shows representatives from the trade ministry taking a variety of goods out of stores in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
They included pencil cases, t-shirts, pop-its, caps, and hair clips.
