A representative for Malaysia’s government recently stirred controversy by referring to being queer as “a perverted lifestyle,” following the arrest of eight LGBTQ+ advocates protesting outside the Sogo Kuala Lumpur shopping center. The protestors, all followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, were accused of promoting ideas contrary to Islamic teachings. The incident adds to the ongoing LGBTQ+ crackdown in Malaysia, with queer individuals facing arrests and forced conversion therapy as the government aims to suppress what it terms as the “spread of LGBTQ+ culture in society.”
The protest held outside Sogo Kuala Lumpur involved eight men aged between 18 and 56, who brandished placards with messages like “Only God can judge,” “Being gay is not a crime,” “Down down Syariah court,” and “Gay people are not criminals, and being gay is not a crime.” The demonstration came shortly after British indie band The 1975 faced an early show end in Malaysia due to frontman Matty Healy’s criticism of the Malaysian government’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance. Local LGBTQ+ activists disapproved of Healy’s actions, fearing potential danger for the queer community during the country’s state elections.
Malaysia’s criminal code, deeply influenced by Islamic law, has criminalized sodomy since the British colonial era in 1871, imposing penalties ranging from fines and caning to imprisonment of up to 20 years. Transgender individuals also face explicit criminalization of their gender expression. The recent arrests and the government’s strict stance on LGBTQ+ rights have sparked concern among human rights activists.
The government representative’s statement condemned efforts to normalize what they termed “a perverted lifestyle” contrary to Islamic teachings and human nature. The prime minister’s department of religious affairs advises Muslims to adhere to Islamic teachings and avoid affiliations with beliefs that contradict Islamic creed, Sharia, and morals. Investigations into the arrested protestors are ongoing, with a court hearing expected to be scheduled in September.
The situation in Malaysia raises significant concerns about the protection of LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, as activists continue to fight for equality and human rights in the face of a repressive environment. The global LGBTQ+ community closely watches developments in Malaysia, hoping for progress towards a more inclusive and accepting society.