By: Alvin Fang

5 days ago, Disney released their new movie, “Lightyear”. Leaders across much of the Muslim world have barred Disney’s new movie “Lightyear” from playing at cinemas due to a lesbian kiss scene.

Lightyear a female character voiced by actress Uzo Aduba briefly kissed her female partner in one scene.

According to the New York Times, some nations that did not allow the movie included Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and more. In some parts of the Arab world, members of the LGBTQ community have even been arrested and sentenced to prison. Some countries also maintain the death penalty.

“Yeah, it’s frustrating,” Evans told The Associated Press earlier this week at the premiere of “Lightyear” in London. “It feels good to be a part of something that is making social progress, but it’s with this ribbon of bittersweet frustration that at the same time, there are still places that have not caught up,” said Evans’s.

Studios have allowed censors to cut films in global distribution for content in the past, including in the Mideast market. Recently, Disney has faced protests from activists over what they described as CEO Bob Chapek’s slow response in publicly criticizing Florida legislation that opponents dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

In late March, Ron DeSantis signed a bill that forbids instructions on sex from kindergarten and younger to 3rd grade.