By: Audrey Wang

Authorities spread throughout much of the Muslim world have denied access to Disney’s most recent film, ‘Lightyear,’ to be played in theaters and cinemas after the inclusion of a quick kiss between a lesbian couple.

Thirteen nations, along with the Palestinian territory, forbade the Pixar movie from the “Toy Story” collection, according to Walt Disney Co. This is a major obstruction for one of Disney’s largest films as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic. Analysts originally estimated that it could earn over $100 million in its first weekend.

The scene includes a female character giving her female partner a short kiss. Even though the kiss was very quick, the scene seemed to be too much for the inspectors of the movie in the Muslim world, where same gender relationships were often criminalized. Nations that barred the film include Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, according to Disney. The UAE had announced earlier this week that film wasn’t allowed to be showed in theaters.

Most Muslims consider being gay or lesbian sinful, and in some parts of the Arab world, members of the community have been arrested or sentenced to prison. Other nations keep the punishment of the death penalty. The film’s stars, who include Chris Evans and Uzo Aduba, respond to the UAE’s decision by calling it ‘disappointing’.

Some studios have permitted editors to cut the films they make in world-wide issuing for religion or beliefs in the past, including the Mideast. But recently, Disney has faced complaint from activists and its own staff about CEO Bob Chapek’s slow reaction in publicly denouncing Florida legislation that opposes the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Ron DeSantis, Florida Gov. signed the bill in late March, with forbids sexual situation and gender identity from kindergarten to 3rd grade. The scene from the movie was restored after Pixar workers protested Disney’s reaction to Florida’s bill.