The Maldives government rejected Sunday a ban on dancing in public between men and women called by its own Islamic Affairs ministry and pledged that the honeymoon hotspot would remain a beacon of tolerance.

Presidential spokesman Abbas Riza said a circular issued by the ministry prohibiting dancing between men and women was not enforceable.

"There has not been and never will be a ban on dancing," Abbas said. "Under the constitution, no one could enforce or prohibit any freedom unless under a law."

"The Maldives will always be a very tolerant society (which is an) example to the world."

It was the first formal government reaction to the ministry circular to all state institutions and the media banning the holding of any mixed-gender dance events.

The ministry is headed by a member of the main Islamic Adhaalath Party, a coalition partner in President Mohamed Waheed's government which came to power after the controversial resignation of Mohamed Nasheed in February.