Iran TV bans shirtless men and "love triangles"

Actor Robert Buckley of NBC's "Lipstick Jungle" won't be seen on Iranian TV. / Lipstick Jungle/NBC

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's state television has banned programs featuring provocative love stories or shirtless men in an apparent bow to hard-line Muslim clerics complaining about such scenes in foreign movies, Iranian newspapers reported Tuesday.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian TV and movie productions have avoided scenes showing the close mixing of the genders, which is discouraged in Iran. Iranian actresses in domestic productions also appear in Islamic dress that covers them from head to toe.

Through illegal satellite dishes, however, many Iranians are able to see foreign TV shows and movies. And some clerics also complain about programs on state TV that show men and women working together in the same offices or otherwise mingling or romantically involved, as well as makeup worn by Iranian actresses in domestic productions.

Reports by several Iranian dailies, including Tehran-e Emrouz, said the state broadcasting company banned such programming on state channels. The ban included specific mentions of "half-naked men" and provocative romantic tales such as "love triangles."

It also appealed to Iranian producers to avoid images of the sexes mixing at "wedding ceremonies, family parties, work places and celebrations."

Pouria Alemi, a satirist for the pro-reform Etemaad daily, ridiculed the decision in a column Tuesday, noting that state channels currently do not show such scenes anyway and wondering if the measure should instead be aimed at Hollywood.

The only half-naked men on Iranian TV are in wrestling and swimming competitions, he wrote.

Iranian TVs do not broadcast women's sporting events in which athletes' heads and bodies are not covered, such as swimming.

[thomasmc1957]

Religion is the seed of mental illness.

[markag55]

This comment comes a few days late, but given the morally questionable response of Pat Buchanan re: divorcing an spouse who has Alzheimer's, there really isn't that much difference between the fundamentalists of any religion. I'd rather not have "smut" on TV than to condone divorce because a spouse is suffering from Alzheimer's. It's all nonsense. I think there is a limit for TV as far as nudity and violence on Broadcast channels (or free channels). However, there is absolutely NO argument as to right or wrong with Buchanan's views. I'm not religious; I've never liked Buchanan. However, this just shows how evil he really is. It's not just opinion anymore. It's right or wrong. Buchanan has less morality than the biggest sinner on earth. For the first time ever, I feel that we should not have that free of speech in the U.S.--I'd put Buchanan in jail for a while to repent for his sin. Who does he think he is?

[rf35]

markag55 said "It's not just opinion anymore."

Yes it is! What is or is not moral is an opinion. The very concept of sin is an opinion. And before you bash freedon of speech, take a minute and think of the alternative. If your opinion differes from those in power it might be a pretty nice right.

[technocoffee]

I know no one wants to see moobs, but this is a bit ridiculous....Flintstones, meet the Flintstones-they're a modern stone-age theocracy.......

[rf35]

Shouldn't that be the "al-Flintstones?"

[foxwizgsk]

Maybe those idiots should try and get out of the stone age.

[mask2697]

@toolMangler1, correction to what you said, you mean Extremist muslim not Fundementalist muslim

[markag55]

And to think they had a "revolution" to get rid of a "Shah" who, while taking in a good portion of tax revenues, at least tried to make Iran into a modern Muslim nation. No wonder why so many people who had the means left Iran in 1979 (especially the sizable Jewish population who had lived in Iran since the Persians beat the Babylonians in 539 BCE (Before the Common Era, formerly known as B.C.). The Persians allowed the Jews to either go back to Israel and Judea or to stay without any recriminations. That is, until 1979 (2440 years!). What's wrong with today's Muslims? For that matter, why, all of a sudden, is there a movement in Christianity (Tea Party, anyone?) that would take us back to the Dark Ages?

[mask2697]

Hey Dastardly, I dont obey Satan, I just don't obey god because if by discriminating everyone who belives differently and by trying to make a modern crusade will get you into heaven, then I think hell might be better not that I am going there, in fact I am pretty sure you will for treating other humans as sub human animals that you can push around whenever you want, do you belive that all athiests and muslims should be your slaves and servents, I bet you do, and this is exactly why you will probably go to hell

[tuathadedannan]

Swimming competitions! Well, that is the last straw! Off with their heads!

[pbaird2]

It is their country, they can make the rules. When they try to dictate to others is when they cross the line. If you do not like where you live either move to where you find it better for you or do not complain. The problems we are having now involve people coming from elsewhere and wanting their old ways to be implemented here.

[Anotheryahoo]

True, I have allways said if it wasnt for Israel they would have to go back to hating woman. This religion and country thats ruled by it is ridiculous. The Stone age.

[tsigili]

Well, that just goes to show, they don't like love. Just slavery of women.

[guystuckonearth]

They should be putting this smut on American TV either. Not for a ban, but I wish the viewers and networks had more morals and prevented such rubbish on American TV.

[thomasmc1957]

Maybe you would be more comfortable living in Iran.