A Toronto-based sex toy shop, Bonjibon, has found itself at the center of an unusual request from the Pentagon. The shop’s co-founder, Grace Bennett, revealed that two returned items from a US naval base in Bahrain contained letters from the Pentagon instructing the business to cease sending “butt plugs” to military personnel stationed there.
According to a report by CTV News, the letters highlighted that “pornographic materials or devices” are not permitted within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Despite the Pentagon’s request, Bennett clarified that Bonjibon does not ship products to Bahrain due to local laws and regulations. She suspects that someone may have forwarded the packages to Navy personnel from a different location, leading to the mix-up.
“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,” Bennett said, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events. She emphasized that her store encourages customers to feel confident and freely order any products they wish. Nonetheless, she noted the irony of military personnel ordering items that are illegal in the conservative Gulf nation.
Bennett took issue with the accusatory tone of the letters, suggesting that the responsibility lies with the individuals who ordered the products. “This sounds like a you problem,” she remarked, pointing out that the call for compliance was coming from within the military itself.
The Pentagon’s Transportation Command provides guidance on prohibited items for the Department of Defense, particularly in Bahrain. For 2024, the list includes various “prohibited items,” with explicit mentions of “pornographic material,” which encompasses sex toys, handcuffs, and nudity magazines. In addition, a leaflet from the Navy’s Naval Supply Systems Command warns against bringing or shipping any pornographic materials, as customs in Bahrain conducts thorough x-ray inspections of all shipments. Confiscated items are subsequently destroyed.
While the situation may seem humorous to some, it also highlights a broader conversation about sex and related issues within the military. Sexual violence remains a significant concern, and discussions around gender identity and sexuality are often contentious.
Reflecting on the incident, Bennett expressed her disappointment that her customers did not receive their orders. “There’s many layers of hilarity to this that we can all just poke fun at, and the situation is quite funny, while at the same time, I genuinely want everyone — I’m sad that they didn’t get their order,” she added.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and cultural sensitivities surrounding the military and personal freedoms, even in seemingly lighthearted matters.
