The U.S. Navy has blocked the delivery of adult pleasure devices to American personnel stationed at a base in Bahrain, sending stern letters to a Canadian sex shop that fulfilled the order for a bullet vibrator and butt plug. The Navy’s correspondence warned that “pornographic materials or devices are not allowed into the Kingdom of Bahrain” and categorized the items as “posing an immediate danger to life or limb.” While officials framed the action as cultural sensitivity toward the conservative Muslim kingdom, Bahrain’s official customs lists don’t explicitly ban sex toys, though they do prohibit “obscene or immoral materials.” The move has ignited debate over how far the military should police troops’ private lives, especially as service members deployed to Gulf countries face strict social restrictions and limited interaction with locals.
Critics argue the crackdown represents government overreach during a period when troops face significant mental health challenges during long, isolating deployments. Rebecca Karpinski, interim president of the American Sexual Health Association, said: “What’s uncomfortable for me is when our own military makes it difficult for people who are serving to live their whole and complete lives. Sexuality is normal and healthy, and that shouldn’t end when you enlist.”
One Navy chaplain told reporters: “My God, you’d never take toothbrushes or combs away from sailors, so why take away their dildos? Some things are basic necessities when it comes to morale.” The incident has sparked playful social media commentary and memes, while Bonjibon, the Toronto-based company whose products were intercepted, turned the Pentagon’s reprimand into a viral marketing moment.