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Maldives Police have launched an investigation into a video allegedly showing a same-sex wedding ceremony at a local resort, reiterating that activities conducted in the country must respect its Islamic principles, Shari’ah, national laws and social values.
Nazeem Noushad
MALE: The Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation into a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a wedding ceremony between two foreign men at a resort in the Maldives.
In a statement issued on Friday, police said the activity depicted in the video was unlawful and confirmed that an investigation was underway.
Police emphasised that Islam is the state religion of the Maldives and called on all parties to respect Islamic principles, Shari’ah, Maldivian laws and the country’s established social and moral standards.
The statement also urged stakeholders to ensure that foreign employees working in resorts, guesthouses and other sectors do not engage in activities that contravene these principles and national laws.
Police warned that legal action would be taken against those found to have committed unlawful acts.
The video, which reportedly shows a ceremony held on a resort beach, has attracted public attention and discussion on social media.
The incident has also renewed attention on the regulations governing symbolic wedding ceremonies conducted at tourist establishments in the Maldives.
Under existing regulations, symbolic wedding ceremonies must be conducted in a manner that respects Islamic principles, Maldivian culture and the country’s social norms. Such ceremonies are also subject to requirements governing authorised tourist establishments and registered officiants.
Police have not disclosed the name of the resort, the identities of those involved or further details about the ongoing investigation.
The authorities have called on resorts, guesthouses and other stakeholders to ensure that activities conducted within the country comply with Maldivian laws and established standards.
