Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said action will be taken against acts aimed at tarnishing the Maldives’ Islamic identity.

Minister Shaheem made the remarks in a post on X following a symbolic wedding ceremony involving two men at a resort in the Maldives.

He said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs had referred the matter to the police for investigation, adding that action should be taken against those who violate the Constitution and other relevant laws.

“We must continue to save the country from such crimes that are being carried out to plunge the country into materialism and tarnish the Islamic identity of the country,” he said.

The beachside ceremony has drawn widespread criticism on social media.

Police have confirmed that an investigation is under way, describing the incident as an act which is not permitted in law.

Under the Regulation on Holding Symbolic Weddings for Tourists, symbolic wedding ceremonies may be held at tourist resorts, tourist hotels, tourist guesthouses, yacht marinas and tourist vessels registered and licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. The venue must also be registered with the ministry.

Any symbolic theme or themes used for such ceremonies must also be registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

The regulation states that arrangements for symbolic wedding ceremonies must not insult Islam through actions, language or materials used.

It also requires ceremonies to respect Maldivian culture, customs and social standards, prohibiting participants from engaging in any actions or using language that defames them.