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Valentine's Day Stirs Religious Objections In Parts of the World

By Howard M. Friedman

Today is Valentine's Day. But Voice of America reports that in parts of the world religious objections to celebrating the day continue. In southern India, members of a Hindu political party burned Valentine's Day cards,  decrying cultural exploitation and sexual greetings on cards. Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have banned celebration of the day, calling it a vice.  However Arab News reports that while in Saudi Arabia the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has told stores to remove items that are red, Saudi couples are finding other ways to celebrate-- having dinner in popular restaurants and exchanging gifts of jewelry, perfume and chocolates. Dubai permits celebration of the day, but this year has banned the sale of alcohol because of the proximity to tomorrow's celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Meanwhile in Iraq, according to AFP, young people are holding a Valentine's Day rally to urge their leaders to love the country instead of robbing it of its resources.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on February 14, 2011 (boomark / email).