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 © 2025 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

Arcom-Targeted Sites Implement Age Verification in France

Five high-traffic adult websites based outside of France have implemented age verification as required under the nation’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, after receiving warnings from French media regulator Arcom.

Goddess Lilith Launches 'Adultpreneurs' Networking Site

Goddess Lilith has launched Adultpreneurs, a new community and networking site.

Adult Shoot Location Marketplace 'FckSpace' Launches

FckSpace, a new platform aimed at simplifying location sourcing for adult productions, is now live

Florida Attorney General Dismisses AV Suit Against Segpay

The Florida attorney general’s office on Monday agreed to dismiss claims against payment processor Segpay in a lawsuit over alleged noncompliance with the state’s age verification law.

FTC Weighs Reboot of 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking Process

The Federal Trade Commission has invited public comments on a petition to renew trade regulation rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

VRPorn.com Releases 2025 'Annual Report'

VRPorn.com has released its Annual Report, highlighting its audience favorites from throughout 2025.

MrPornGeek Launches 'Visibility Boost' System

MrPornGeek has introduced a new paid visibility boost feature designed to temporarily increase advertiser exposure across select sections of its platform.

New Federal Bills Aim to Repeal Section 230

Members of Congress this week introduced two bills calling for the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

RM11 Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

RM11 has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Mark Spiegler Named XBIZ Talk Guest for 2026 LA Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that famed talent agent Mark Spiegler, impresario of the Spiegler Girls agency, will join an exclusive talk session at XBIZ 2026, the latest edition of North America’s largest adult industry conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Show More