Mohamed Firaq, CEO of Inner Maldives, has called for a formal investigation into a video that has circulated widely on social media, which appears to depict a wedding ceremony between two men at a resort in the Maldives.
Snapshots from the video show two men holding hands. Based on their attire and the setting, observers have described the event as a symbolic wedding ceremony.
In a social media post, Firaq stated that while the Maldives has operated as a world-class tourism destination for half a century, all parties must respect the country’s laws, regulations and cultural norms. He emphasised that foreign-operated resorts are not exempt from Maldivian law.
“Even if these resorts are operated by foreign investors, they are not exempt from Maldivian law. Foreign investment is not a license to violate the laws of the land,” Firaq wrote. He called on the government and relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take appropriate legal action.
The video has drawn criticism from others who argue that such activities should not be permitted in the Maldives. Some commentators have noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past and may be difficult to prevent entirely.
The Maldives is a constitutionally Islamic state. Under the Penal Code, same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage are criminalised. Resort wedding ceremonies for foreign visitors are typically symbolic and carry no legal recognition under Maldivian law.
No official statement from the government or police regarding an investigation has been issued at the time of reporting.
