The only condition listed was that viewers be restricted to those aged 13 and above.
Lebanon has granted approval for the screening of Barbie, reversing an earlier attempt by the culture minister to ban it due to perceived conflicts with conservative values, according to a Reuters report.
The decision to allow the film’s screening was made by Lebanon’s General Security Agency, which is responsible for reviewing all films, plays, and books intended for release in the country. The only condition imposed is that viewers must be aged 13 and older.
Last month, Lebanon banned the screening of Barbie, a fantasy comedy film directed by actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig, citing concerns about the promotion of homosexuality and perceived contradictions with religious values.
Lebanon’s culture minister, Mohammad Mortada, expressed that the Warner Bros. film was deemed to “promote homosexuality and gender transformation” and “go against values of faith and ethics.” The film was criticised for diminishing the significance of the family unit, according to a report by Reuters.
Subsequent to Mortada’s statements, the regulatory body responsible for film censorship has been asked to evaluate the movie and provide its recommendation.
Featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, respectively, the film follows Mattel Inc.’s iconic doll on an adventurous journey into the real world.
