Saudi Gov Bans Gay Websites

SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Government continued its censorship identity crisis this week by finally deciding to ban all international gay and lesbian websites, including a local website called gaymiddleeast.com (GME), a supplier of news and information for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community of the middle east

The government's decision comes on the heels of a period of indecision over whether to allow its citizens access to information on gay and lesbian lifestyles.

Considered one of the most repressive governments still in existence, in a surprise move last year, the Saudi government let up on its tight censorship grip and allowed access to gay and lesbian sites, including GME.

But in a similarly unpredictable move, the government has resorted to previous censorship tactics this week and once again GME has been blocked from Saudi access, along with gaydar.com, 365gay.com and gay.com.

The owners of GME are not sure exactly when the ban occurred, and attempts so far to persuade the Saudi Government to enable access to the sites have proven ineffective.

"We are lodging an official complaint via these organizations to the Saudi authorities," GME's owners stated on the site, which can be accessed by other countries. "We will do all in our power to have the blockage removed from our website so that our readers in Saudi Arabia can once again access the site."

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

California Governor Signs Bill Limiting CIPA Claims

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill to narrow the scope of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), to prevent abusive lawsuits targeting online businesses, including adult websites.

California Enacts Stricter UGC Rules for Adult Sites

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill to impose tighter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites accessible in California.

UK Aims to Begin Enforcing 'Choking' Ban Before Year's End

The U.K. will soon begin enforcement of a new law criminalizing depictions of “non-fatal strangulation” in adult content, according to a Ministry of Justice official.

XBIZ LA Conference Website Now Live, Registration Open

The event website for the XBIZ LA conference is now live, offering comprehensive information about the upcoming event, taking place Jan. 7-10 at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE.

CrakRevenue Launches Mobile App for Real-Time Affiliate Alerts

CrakRevenue has launched Aff Companion, a mobile app that sends affiliates real-time notifications about clicks, conversions, and revenue.

Goddess Lilith Launches New Official Website Through PAYSITE

Goddess Lilith has rolled out her new official site, QueenGoddessLilith, through PAYSITE.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Reclaiming Intimacy' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers with trauma-impacted intimacy issues.

Ofcom Cites Web Prime, Porntrex for Alleged AV Violations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Tuesday notified two operators of adult websites of the agency’s provisional determination that the companies have failed to comply with provisions of the Online Safety Act.

FSC: Utah Excise Tax on Adult Content Goes Into Effect October 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has issued an advisory that the Utah Excise Tax goes into effect tomorrow.

Segpay Parent Company Names David Press to Board

Segpay parent company Toccata Inc. has named payment industry veteran David Press to its board of directors.

Show More