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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi officials are seizing rainbow-colored toys and articles of clothing from shops in the capital as part of a crackdown on homosexuality, state media reported Tuesday evening.
Targeted items include rainbow-colored bows, skirts, hats and pencil cases, most of them apparently manufactured for young children, according to a report by the state-run Al-Ekhbariya news channel.
“We are giving a tour of the items that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colors targeting the younger generation,” said an official from the commerce ministry, which is involved in the campaign.
Gesturing towards a rainbow flag, a journalist said: “The homosexuality flag is present in one of the Riyadh markets.”
The colors send a “poisoned message” to children, the report said.
Homosexuality is a potential capital offense in Saudi Arabia, known for its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law which forms the basis of its entire judicial system.