A Toronto-based sex toy shop, Bonjibon, has found itself at the center of an unusual situation after receiving a request from the Pentagon. The shop’s co-founder, Grace Bennett, reported that two packages containing adult products were returned from a US naval base in Bahrain. The Pentagon’s correspondence effectively asked Bonjibon to “stop sending butt plugs to Bahrain,” citing local regulations against “pornographic materials or devices.”
The incident highlights a misunderstanding regarding the legality of such items in Bahrain, a conservative Gulf nation. According to CTV News, Bennett explained that her store does not ship products to Bahrain due to local laws. She suspects that someone may have forwarded the items to Navy personnel stationed there.
“We didn’t even know it was going to Bahrain until it came back to us months later,” Bennett stated. “It just kind of unraveled this whole hilarious moment.” The situation has sparked a mix of humor and concern, as it underscores the challenges of cultural differences and legal restrictions.
Bennett took particular issue with the tone of the Pentagon’s letter, suggesting that the responsibility lies with the individual who ordered the items. “This sounds like a you problem,” she remarked, pointing out that the packages clearly violated local laws. The Pentagon’s Transportation Command had previously outlined prohibited items in its 2024 instructions for Bahrain, which include “pornographic material” such as sex toys, handcuffs, and nudity magazines.
The Naval Supply Systems Command also provides a “Bahrain Moving Tips” leaflet, advising personnel against bringing or shipping any pornographic material into the country. The guidelines emphasize that “100 percent of all shipments are x-rayed by Bahrain customs,” and any prohibited items will be destroyed.
While the packages were ultimately confiscated, the incident brings to light broader issues within the US military regarding sexuality and its associated taboos. Sexual violence and topics such as gender identity have been contentious issues, making the request from the Pentagon particularly noteworthy.
Despite the humorous aspects, Bennett expressed disappointment that her customers did not receive their orders. “There are many layers of hilarity to this that we can all just poke fun at,” she said, “but at the same time, I genuinely want everyone — I’m sad that they didn’t get their order.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise when personal desires intersect with cultural norms and legal frameworks in foreign countries.
