Miss World Cancelled their bikini contest this year. Pageant organizers have made the decision amid protests from Indonesian Muslim groups.
Traditionally, the pageant would feature a bikini competition. This year, the 137 contestants will be wearing sarongs during the swimsuit portion of the contest. The decision was made out of respect for the citizens of Bali, many of whom are Muslim.
As reported by ABC News , Adjie S. Soeratmadjie, who is organizing the event in Indonesia explains the decision:
“There will no bikini in this year’s Miss World pageant to respect our traditional customs and values. This is a sensitive issue in Indonesia. We have discussed it since last year and they have agreed.”
Officials at the London headquarters have confirmed that Miss World cancelled the bikini contest. The revealing swimsuits will be replaced with modest sarongs. As the pageant is hosted by a different country every year, cultural differences must be understood and respected.
Julia Morley, spokeswoman of the Miss World Organization, has stated that the pageant strives “to work in the manner respectful to every country.”
As reported by Fox News , the sarongs are being designed specifically for the pageant contestants. Each sarong will be hand made and unique.
Indonesian protests have increased as the pageant date of September 28 nears. Muslim groups and clerics have complained that the Miss World bikini contest is “just an excuse to show women’s body parts.” Bikinis expose too much flesh, according to some Islamic beliefs.
Several celebrities have either been banned from performing, or forced to wear less revealing outfits, while performing in Indonesia. Jennifer Lopez, performing in Jakarta last year, opted for more conservative clothing. Lady Gaga eventually cancelled a sold-out performance after she received treats of violence from protesters and critics.
Miss World has cancelled the bikini contest for 2013. However, organizers and promoters agree that, as they are guests in Indonesia, it is important to respect their local traditions and beliefs.
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