Malaysia
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on the situation of homosexuals all over the world may not be completely
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Updated 99-03-01
Illegal
Homosexuality is illegal in this predominantly Muslim country. I am not sure whether lesbian sex is mentioned in the law. Caning is a possible punishment for homosexuality along with long prison sentences of up to 20 years. Muslim sharia laws are in effect in some areas. Each of the 13 states has its own constitution.
Considering all this, Malaysia has a surprisingly active gay community, with several gay bars etc. The new fundamentalist surge lately has caused a lot of anti-gay sentiment to surface. In 1998, the Deputy Prime Minister was charged with sodomy and corruption, which created quite a stir.
In October 1998, a new organization
called the People's Voluntary Anti-Homosexual Movement (Pasrah) was created.
It reportedly hopes to wipe out gays, starting with imposing severe penalties
and closing down gay gathering places. In Australia, a group called Solidarity
for People's Democracy (SPDM) is forming to work for the civil rights
of gays and lesbians in
Malaysia.
If you have any further information
on the current situation in Malaysia, please contact
me.
| Age of consent | Male-Female | Male-Male | Female-Female |
| Malaysia | 18 | X | X? |
Viewing adult material in Malaysia is illegal.
Further information on the situation in Malaysia can be found at:
Gay Asian Compass: Gay Malaysia Links
Malaysian Gay and Lesbian Club (USA)
Gay Malaysians and Singaporeans Club
Homosexuals in Motion (Penang)
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Atevo Travel: Destination Malaysia
| Statistics:
Monarchy,
Asia
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