For many years, telenovelas stuck to what Acosta-Alzuru describes as the "original Cinderella code, " but they have evolved, and many now incorporate social issues from religion and racism to abortion and homosexuality into their narratives.

CNN: Melodramas with a message

"Many societies and cultures consider homosexuality to be contrary to their culture, morality or religion, " its submission said.

BBC: Saudi Arabia opposes .gay internet domain name

"Many societies and cultures consider homosexuality to be contrary to their culture, morality or religion, " says the CITC in its complaint.

CNN: Saudi Arabia objects to .gay and .islam domain names