29 Jun 2016

LGBT post by Honda receives negative reaction in Malaysia

A celebration of pride month on the car manufacturer’s Facebook has been met with homophobic comments

On June 18, the North American subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Ltd, posted a photo on their Facebook page showing some of their vehicles lined up coated by the colours of the rainbow-a well-known portrayal of the LGBT movement.

Malaysian users expressed their desire to boycott the brand and left a number of homophobic comments.

Honda’s post showed a number of the company’s colourful cars lined up to create a rainbow and read:

“At Honda, we value diversity and inclusion of everyone. Our support for the LGBT community is a reflection of our company’s commitment. This weekend we will be participating in the 2016 Columbus Pride Parade –Columbus is home to many Honda associates. Honda proudly celebrates #‎LGBT Pride Month and equality of everyone.”

Negative comments included:

"I'm going to sell my Honda EX5. I can't believe all this while I have been riding on a gay motorcycle." 

“Thanks God. I am driving nissan. Nissan straight but honda is gay!”

“I am a potential buyer who had a keen interest in your new Honda Civic, but since Honda support lgbt, you just lost a customer. I will spread this post and made you lost EVEN MORE customer.” This comment had 764 likes.

Not all comments were negative however, with one reading:

"Why are all of you causing a commotion here? This isn't even the Honda Malaysia page, this is the overseas one. It's up to them to post whatever they want. Don't be so narrow-minded and embarrass our country please? Go home.”