The Mauritanian authorities uses provisions such as “indecency” and “incitation to debauchery” on those who challenge the country with LGBT social movements. in the 1983 Penal Code on those who challenge the country with LGBT social movements.

Article 264 of the Penal Code (1983) prohibits "songs, cries or speech contrary to good morals" and publicly "drawing attention to an occasion of debauchery" or publishing any such advertisement or correspondence. Furthermore, Article 306 punishes “public contempt of decency and Islamic mores”. In 2020, police forces arrested ten people at a birthday party. Eight of them were charged under these provisions for “imitating women”. In August 2023, the screening of "Barbie" was prohibited over claims that the film purportedly served as a “vehicle for moral corruption and contravention of Islamic values”. The ban was communicated by the president of the Advertising Regulatory Authority through his Facebook page (see screen capture). In the announcement, he specified that this decision was made under the guidance and oversight of the Mauritanian Minister of Culture. Additionally, he encouraged individuals to report any perceived instances of "propaganda" to the authorities through "any means". uses provisions such as “indecency” and “incitation to debauchery” on those who challenge the country with LGBT social movements.