KUALA LUMPUR – The government has formed a special committee handling matters and issues involving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Muslims in the nation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the committee was established through the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and would hold meetings at least once a year or when necessary.
He added that the committee consists of various ministries, departments, agencies, and non-governmental organisations coordinating LGBT issues that arise among Muslims in terms of education and advocacy, preaching, guidance, and enforcement.
“The LGBT community’s rights to practise their lifestyle is still subject to laws that do not allow such behaviour in Malaysia,” he said in a parliamentary written reply.
“However, the government does not discriminate against any group – including the LGBT – to enjoy their basic rights under the constitution,” he added.
This includes the rights to education, work, and practising religion, in accordance with Article 8(2) of the federal constitution.
Naim was responding to a question by Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (Pokok Sena-PN) on the government’s steps to curb efforts to normalise the “contravening LGBT culture” in the nation.
He added that the committee's first meeting was held on April 11, and observed that numerous inter-agency programmes have been implemented on the matter between January 2021 and April this year.
This includes social webinars, dissertations, religious preaches and guidance, and enforcement actions such as the cancellation of the Walt Disney film Lightyear and investigations on the recent Women’s March, among others. – The Vibes, May 23, 2023
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