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8 Countries and States Where Sex Toys Are Illegal or Restricted

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8 Countries and States Where Sex Toys Are Illegal or Restricted

What do Maldives, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all have in common? If you guessed that sex toys are illegal in each of these countries and states, you would be correct! 

While there is no definitive answer as to why these countries have placed bans on sex toys, it’s speculated that religious and cultural beliefs may be to blame. While the reasoning behind these bans varies from country to country, one thing is for sure – if you’re travelling and planning on taking your favourite toy along with you, you’ll need to do some research ahead of time! 

Here’s a look at some of the countries where adult toys are banned – so pack your bag accordingly!


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Sex toys are illegal in these countries (and states!)

Believe it or not, sex toys are illegal in these countries. Yes, you read that right! In some places, buying and using a sex toy is considered a criminal act.

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Others see it as a way to protect the Maldivian culture and values. Photo from Daily Star

1. Maldives

Are you looking to travel to the beaches of Maldives for your honeymoon and have sexy time with your partner? The Maldives has always been known for their strict laws, and it’s where sex toys are illegal. The Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1998 prohibits the import, manufacture, sale, and possession of sex toys, and also bans pornography. 

Tourists can be banned from travelling to this country, while those in possession of a sex toy will face jail time for up to 6 months!


riyadh 2197496 1280 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

2. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, sex toys are illegal. Islamic law prohibits the production, distribution, and consumption of pornography, and adult content is punishable by imprisonment or even execution. 

However, this didn’t stop the kingdom’s first sex shop from opening its doors earlier this year. The store, which only sells oils and creams, has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some see it as a step forward for the country, while others worry that it will lead to more moral decay.


couple 2414892 1280 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

3. Vietnam

It may come as a surprise to many that sex toys are illegal in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government has long held strict laws regulating what can and cannot be sold within the country, and sex toys fall into the latter category. While there are no specific laws banning sex toys outright, they are included under a wider ban on products that “obscenely distorted” the human body. 

However, there are signs that the Vietnamese government’s stance on sex toys may be loosening a bit. In recent years, several Vietnamese businesses have begun selling sex toys, and while these businesses operate in a legal grey area, they have so far managed to avoid any major crackdowns. There is also a growing movement pushing for the legalization of sex toys, with some activists arguing that they can help to reduce sexual violence and improve sexual health education. 

It remains to be seen whether the Vietnamese government will eventually loosen its restrictions on sex toys, but for now, they remain illegal in the country.


Funtoys vibrators byfunfactory4 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

4. India

In India, sex toys are illegal. Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code prohibits the sale, distribution, and importation of obscene materials. This law is typically interpreted to extend to sex toys, which means that it is technically a violation of Indian law to use one. 

However, these laws are not aggressively enforced, and there is a thriving market for sex toys in India. In addition, the Indian government has taken steps to restrict the sale of sex toys. While these laws may make it more difficult to obtain sex toys in India, they have not been successful in eliminating their use entirely.


Sex shop %28BDSM%29 01 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

5. Malaysia

The government does not approve or issue licenses for the manufacture or sale of sex toys, and even possessing one can lead to a fine or imprisonment. Sex magazines and books are also banned, and it is illegal to import or export sex-related items. 

While the law is rarely enforced, it does give the government a lot of power to crack down on anyone they deem to be offending public morality. In a country where premarital sex is still frowned upon, it’s not surprising that sex toys are considered taboo.


Funtoys vibrators byfunfactory6 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

6. Thailand

In Thailand, sex toys are illegal. Despite the country’s reputation for being a sex tourism destination, sex toys remained to be banned. The sale and possession of sex toys are punishable with years in prison and with fines. The reason behind this is that the sale of sex toys is considered to be “an offence against public decency and morality”. 

However, this doesn’t stop people from finding ways to get their hands on sex toys. In fact, sex toy sales have been on the rise in recent years. Many people buy sex toys online or from underground shops. Some even make their own sex toys using everyday objects. While the law may be strict, it doesn’t seem to be deterring people from enjoying a little bit of fun in the bedroom.


Dubai Marina Night View 1 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

7. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a country governed by Islamic law, and as a result, sex toys are illegal. The country has strict laws against sex toys and other “aids” that could be used for illicit purposes. Anyone caught with a sex toy could have it confiscated and may face prosecution.

Unfortunately, this can cause some problems for tourists who are unaware of the laws. In recent years, there have been several reports of sex toys being confiscated at UAE airports. In some cases, travellers have even been prosecuted for bringing such items into the country. 


The Alabama State Capitol The Duty Called statue and the southern facade 2011 | Stay at Home Mum.com.au

8. Alabama, U.S.

Alabama is the only state in the US where sex toys are illegal. That’s right – if you’re caught with a dildo or vibrator in Alabama, you could be facing up to a year in jail. The Alabama Legislature passed a law banning the sale of sex toys back in the last few decades of the 20th century, and it’s been on the books ever since. 

While the law is rarely enforced, it does technically mean that owning a sex toy in Alabama is against the law. So, if you’re feeling frisky and live in Alabama, you might want to think twice before buying a vibrator.


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BONUS: Texas has more restricting laws on sex toys (than guns!)

In Texas, it is legal to buy and possess an assault rifle. However, it is a crime to sell, promote, or distribute obscene devices. Under the Texas Penal Code, obscene devices are defined as anything that is designed or marketed for the purpose of sexual stimulation or arousal. 

You’ve read that right – sex toys are illegal (well, restricted).

This includes sex toys like vibrators, dildos, and anal beads. Texas is not the only state with laws restricting sex toys. In fact, Alabama and Texas have similar laws on the books. However, Texas is the only state where it is legal to buy an assault rifle but not a sex toy. 

This discrepancy has led many to question the priorities of the state legislature. Some argue that obscene devices should be legal, while others believe that the sale of assault rifles should be restricted. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is clear that Texas has some unusual laws when it comes to sex toys and gun control.


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