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Valentine's Day Not Loved in Many Areas of the World

   Ira Mellman  February 13, 2011
   An  Indian  opposition  activist  takes  part  in  a  protest  against
   Valentine's Day

Photo: AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.

   An  activist  of  India's opposition BJP party prepares to burst heart
   shaped  balloon  during a protest against Valentine's Day celebrations
   in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, Feb.13, 2011.

   Monday  marks the celebration of Valentineās Day by much of the world.
   But it is a celebration that is drawing protests in some areas.

   In  Southern  India,  members  of  a  Hindu  political  party recently
   gathered to burn Valentineās Day cards.
   One  protestor  said  he  is  against  what  he  called  the "cultural
   exploitation"  of  the  day.  He added people sharing sexual greetings
   with  each  other  in  public in the name of Valentineās Day should be
   strongly condemned.
   Many Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, have banned
   the celebration of Valentineās Day
   In   Malaysia,  officials  have  warned  Muslims  against  celebrating
   something they call "synonymous with vice activities."

   That  warning  follows  plans announced last week by several Malaysian
   states  to crack down on "immoral acts" during Valentine's Day as part
   of a campaign to encourage a sin-free lifestyle.
   The  head  of  the  Malaysian  Islamic  Development  Department, which
   oversees the country's Islamic policies, told state media."In reality,
   as  well  as  historically,  the  celebration  of  Valentine's  Day is
   synonymous with vice activities."
   Valentineās  Day has been outlawed in Iran as well. Officials say they
   will take action against those who ignore the ban.
   In Dubai, which has traditionally permitted celebration of Valentineās
   Day,  the  tourism authority has banned the sale of alcohol because of
   the  day's  proximity  of  the Prophet Mohammedās birthday, which this
   year falls on Tuesday, February 15.

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