Malaysia's Film Censorship Board has reversed its decision to impose cuts on Disney's Beauty and the Beast, following controversy over the film's so-called "gay moment."

Previously, Disney had taken the film off the release schedule in the country when it was revealed that the Malaysian film censor ordered two scenes to be cut from the film. Malaysia's laws regarding homosexuality are among some of the most severe in the world, with sexual activity between people of the same gender carrying a twenty-year prison sentence or public caning.

However, it's now been confirmed that Beauty and the Beast will be screened in Malaysia without any cuts, and will instead be given a PG13 rating. The film was previously rated 16+ in Russia, again owing to laws in the country which prevent so-called "homosexual propaganda".

So far, Beauty and the Beast has broken all kinds of box office records, including breaking the record for highest three-day opening weekend here in Ireland with €2.2 million.

 

Via TheStar.com.my