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Five More Arab Countries Ban The Danish Girl

Five More Arab Countries Ban 'The Danish Girl'

Five More Arab Countries Ban 'The Danish Girl'

The news follows Qatar's decision last month.

The Danish Girl, starring Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, is the critically acclaimed film by Tom Hooper that tells the story of trans pioneer Lili Elbe. Redmayne plays Elbe, who was the first person to undergo gender confirmation surgery in the early 20th century. The film has been racking up nominations, with Redmayne and co-star Alicia Vikander the subject of widespread praise. Sadly, a number of countries with less progressive attitudes towards the LGBT community have taken steps to censor the film's important message. Last month, Qatar banned screenings of the film. Since then, Gay Star News reports that five more Arab nations—Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—have followed suit.

Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman, punishable by 3-6 years in the latter two nations, and life imprisonment or death in the UAE. Bahrain decriminalized same-sex activity in 1976, but it remains highly taboo and members of the LGBT community are liable to face discrimination. Jordan legalized homosexuality in 1951, and is recognized as one of the most progressive Arab countries on the issue, although this decision clearly shows that there's still a lot of work to be done. 

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