So many people do not know anything about this Valentine’s Day ban…
The celebration of St. Valentine’s Day is not allowed in all parts of the world as some people may be thinking. In fact, the romantic love celebration day – 14th February is actually ruled out [by law] in some countries for one reason or the other; ranging from religious to security reasons.
Also See 5 Facts You Must Know about the History of Valentine Celebration
In some cases, the Valentine’s day ban is effective in all parts of the country, while in others, it only affects the state capitals. Also, in some of the countries, the non-acceptance of the Valentine’s Day is backed by law, while in some others, it is just frowned upon by the majority. See the 7 places where you’ll go in for celebrating love on 14th February.
Any form of public display of affection, especially by unmarried couple remains a taboo in Saudi Arabia – a Muslim dominated country. As for the Valentine’s Day, it is banned by the kingdom’s religious police. In 2016, five Saudis nabbed in the act of celebrating Valentine were sentenced to a total of 39 years in prison together with 4,500 lashes.
A recent directive on “measures to provide for spiritual security,” issued out by Russian authorities of the Belgorod province included a ban of Valentine and Halloween celebrations. The ban prohibits Valentine’s day celebrations in educational and cultural centers in the province
In 2011, Iran issued an order, prohibiting Valentine’s Day celebrations. According to the order, “Symbols of hearts, half-hearts, red roses, and any activities promoting this day are banned.” Public demonstrations of affection in Iran could lead to heavy fines, prison sentences or even worse punishments.
Although the celebration has continued to gain popularity in the country, offenders operate at the risk of facing prosecution. They however, go scot=free on many occasions since they use lookouts to tell them if inspectors were coming on a Valentine’s Day patrol.
Although the Indonesian government is secular, hence religiously neutral , Valentine is still frowned upon by majority of the citizens, especially the Muslims who make up majority of the country’s population.
Indonesian Muslim school students have staged a protest against Valentine’s Day, denouncing what they said was a Western celebration that encourages casual sex. While many Indonesians still insist on celebrating Valentine’s day, officials and Muslim clerics deem the holiday completely NOT acceptable.
In Malaysia, public show of sexual affection and romantic proximity is punishable by jail term. Muslim Malaysians (who account for over 60% the population) are prohibited from celebrating Valentine’s Day. Going out for the occasion is really a big risk in the country.
In 2012, police stormed budget hotels and arrested couples caught in close postures. Reports reveal that in 2016, a similar raid saw the arrest of 80 Muslims by the Islamic morality police for celebrating the Valentine’s Day.
Pakistan is the last in the list to effect the Valentine’s Day ban in their country. Ahead of the 2017 celebration, the Islamabad High Court in Pakistan’s capital issued an order on Monday, February 13, that banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day across the country ‘with immediate effect.’
Prior to the ban, Muslim Pakistanis have made it a habit to hold protests against the celebration every 14th of February. The order prohibits the display of adverts on electronic and print media that refer to Valentine’s Day, sale of associated goods and celebrations in public spaces or government buildings.
The case of India is a bit different as authorities who speak against Valentine’s Day celebration have made it clear that they are not against sharing love – even publicly. They are only frowning at it when it is done between unmarried couples.
To promote love and affection in the acceptable way, the Indian Hindu nationalist party Mahasabha have proposed having religious leaders standby to wed any couple found in amorous displays on Valentine’s Day. Party leader Chandra Prakash Kaushik told The Times of India: “We are not against love, but if a couple is in love then they must get married.
So if you are not ready for marriage, don’t be caught celebrating Valentine in India, period!
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