4 hours ago
Pentagon Instructs Canadian Adult Store to Cease Shipping Sex Toys to US Soldiers in Bahrain
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Toronto-based adult store Bonjibon, co-founded by Grace Bennett in 2019, received two official letters bearing the Department of Defense seal from the US Naval Forces Central Command Fleet Logistics Center in Bahrain last summer.
The letters, returned alongside intercepted packages, notified the store that "pornographic materials or devices"including butt plugs were identified during Bahrain Customs security screening and are not permitted entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain.
One letter specifically demanded that Bonjibon "stop sending butt plugs to Bahrain, "citing the items as posing "an immediate danger to life or limb or an immediate and substantial danger to property. "
Bennett revealed in a TikTok video that the returned parcels, originally ordered by US service members stationed overseas, included a butt plug and a bullet vibrator.
The store was unaware the packages were destined for Bahrain until they were returned months later, as Bonjibon does not intentionally ship there due to the country's regulations on such products.
Bennett issued a refund to the customer and emphasized maintaining confidentiality.
Bahrain prohibits the import of sex toys and pornographic materials, reflecting its conservative laws where same-sex marriage is banned, though homosexual activity is not explicitly criminalized and is among the fewer Arab nations without such prohibitions.
The letters noted that such items may be viewed as "immoral"in the country.
US military bases in Bahrain adhere to host nation customs rules, which also restrict items like tobacco, pork products, and certain electronics.
Bennett responded lightheartedly on social media, captioning her video "Made my week. Think I’m gonna frame this in a PINK frame"and later posting photos of the letters framed in pink and bedazzled diamanté frames.
The videos garnered thousands of views, with comments from viewers including one whose navy ex-partner is stationed in Bahrain, to which Bennett replied, "TELL THEM TO STOP ORDERING THEIR PLUGS FROM BONJIBON! "
In an interview with CTV News Toronto, Bennett described the situation as "hilarious, "stating, “We didn’t even know it was going to Bahrain until it came back to us months later, and it just kind of unraveled this whole … hilarious moment. ”
She added, “I know it’s a long and lonely journey, we cannot go on this journey with you, ” referencing deployed soldiers.
The incident highlights challenges for LGBTQ+ service members and allies seeking personal wellness products abroad, where local laws intersect with military logistics.
Sex toys like butt plugs serve therapeutic purposes, including pelvic floor training and recovery from medical procedures, beyond recreational use for people of all sexual orientations.
Bennett expressed sympathy, saying, “I’m sad that they didn’t get their order, ” and affirmed, “We don’t judge, we want everyone to order whatever they want and feel confident. ”
The Pentagon declined to comment.
No formal penalties have been reported against Bonjibon, and the story has sparked online amusement while underscoring disparities in access to intimate products for military personnel in conservative regions.
