Special committee set up to look into LGBT issues among Muslims, says minister

SHAH ALAM - The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) has formed a special commottee to adrress lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) within Muslims in the country.

Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the committee will be have representatives from ministries, departments, agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"The committee recently met on April, 11 2023," he said in a Parliamentary written reply yesterday.

"Based on the reports, from January 2021 until April 2023, there were several programmes and enforcement actions that have been implemented by inter-agencies on LGBT issues, they cover aspects of education, prevention and advocacy.

Therefore, the minister said that LGBT practices were against religious, morality and culture in Malaysia.

"Homosexual acts are against the law of the country. Not only Shariah law, but also civil law," he was quoted in Malay Mail.

Section 377A of the Penal Code criminalises anal and oral sex for all, including heterosexuals.

"Despite this, the government still does not discriminate against any group, including LGBT, to enjoy their basic rights as stated in the Federal Constitution such as the right to education, the right to practice religion, and the right to work in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution," the minister said.

Earlier, two Perikatan Nasional MPs from PAS expressed the view that the LGBT community should be regarded as individuals with mental health illnesses.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Malaysian authorities had raided Swiss watchmaker Swatch and confiscated items from its “Pride Collection” bearing the rainbow flag associated with the LGBT movement.

A similar controversy arose after British band Coldplay's upcoming concert was announced to be held in Malaysia with certain parties in PN urging for its cancellation based on the group's support for the LGBT movement.