Portraits of LGBTI activists which were removed from an exhibition in Malaysia | Photo: Facebook
As the debate about the LGBTI community intensifies in Malaysia, another political leader has publicly criticized the community.
Malaysians debating about the legality and role of LGBTI people in society. The debate was triggered by the removal of two portraits of LGBTI people from a photographic exhibition.
Latteffah Ali is the latest politician to share their controversial issues. Ali is the leader of the Wanita Umno party in the Negeri Sembilan state.
She came out saying that LGBTI people should not be allowed to run child care nurseries and pre-school centers.
‘Recently, we have seen some people fighting for the so-called rights of this minority community. We hope that the Federal Government will not give in on this matter,’ she told media on Monday.
Ali argued that if LGBTI people ran nurseries they could influence children with their ‘LGBTI lifestyle’.
She said the LGBTI community already had the same rights as other Malaysians and not entitled to special rights.
‘If you are talking about allowing transgenders to share prayer rooms or toilets with women, then that is ridiculous. Islam does not allow this and the Government must safeguard the rights of women and the majority,’ Ali said.
Deteriorating circumstances
Malaysia a Muslim majority country where it is illegal to be gay or transgender.
While the country has specific laws to prevent the positive portrayal of LGBTI people in media, many hoped the election of Mohatir Mohammad last month would usher in a new era of progressive politics.
But the national debate has advocates concerned the attention on the LGBTI community will lead to increased persecution of the community.
Advocates argued the sentencing of two women to caning over the weekend is an example of that fear.
‘We are also extremely concerned about the escalating attacks and repression against LGBTIQ persons in Malaysia, and the impact of such punishment in this environment. Such punishment will further fuel hatred, discrimination and violence towards LGBTIQ persons with impunity,’ a group of organizations said in an open letter after the women’s sentencing.
