The Maldives Police Service has opened an investigation into a video shared on social media that appears to depict a same-sex wedding ceremony taking place at a resort in the Maldives.
Police said they began reviewing the matter after the footage came to their attention. In a statement, the service noted that same-sex marriage is not recognised under Maldivian law and that the acts shown are contrary to the country’s laws and social norms. Islam is the state religion, and the statement described the depicted activity as inconsistent with Islamic principles.
Authorities urged resorts, guesthouses and foreign employees not to facilitate such events and said legal action would be taken against those found to have violated the law.
Mohamed Firaq, CEO of Inner Maldives, publicly called for an investigation. He wrote that while the Maldives has operated as a major tourism destination for decades, resorts managed by foreign investors remain subject to Maldivian law and cultural standards. He urged relevant authorities to examine the incident and take appropriate action.
Symbolic wedding ceremonies for tourists are common at Maldivian resorts. Similar footage has circulated on previous occasions, including one case in which local staff made remarks in Dhivehi while presenting a ceremony to guests. Police have not named the specific resort involved in the current video or released further details of the investigation.
