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

Judge Dismisses Last NCOSE-Backed Suit Over Kansas AV Law

A federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit alleging that adult site SuperPorn violated Kansas’ age verification law, citing lack of jurisdiction after similarly dismissing two related cases earlier this year.

ASACP Rolls Out 'Restricted to Adults' Labeling Tool Updates

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) has updated its Restricted to Adults (RTA) labeling system.

Federal AV Proposal Scores Minor Win in House but Remains in Doubt

A newly announced bipartisan agreement in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce may soon bring a proposed federal age verification law before the full House, but the measure continues to face an uphill battle.

Arizona Governor Vetoes 'Protect Act' With New Consent Provisions

Arizona Governor Kate Hobbs on Friday vetoed HB 2133, the “Protect Act,” which would have imposed new requirements for adult content uploaded online.

Brazil Begins Monitoring 18 Adult Sites for AV Compliance

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) is now monitoring 18 high-traffic adult websites for compliance with the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires such sites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Ofcom Fines First Time Videos $100,000 for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Thursday imposed a fine of 80,000 pounds (more than $100,000) against First Time Videos, which operates FTVGirls.com and FTVMilfs.com, for failing to implement age checks required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

Curves Ahead: How BBW Creators are Turning Differentiation Into Competitive Advantage

For centuries, curves have been celebrated as a symbol of beauty, sensuality and power. From the soft opulence of Rubens paintings to the glamorous silhouettes of pinup icons, fuller figures have long occupied a place in art, fashion and fantasy.

Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host Virtual 'Pride' Edition of 'Fact Checked' Series

Woodhull Freedom Foundation is hosting a Pride Month virtual edition of its series “Fact Checked by Woodhull.”

'InMelanin' Relaunches Through PAYSITE

InMelanin.com has officially relaunched through PAYSITE.

Pearl Industry Network Partners With Takedown Piracy

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has officially partnered with Takedown Piracy.

Show More