Senator: Homosexuality equals prostitution

Malay Mail 
by Ram Anand and Hamzah Nazari

KUALA LUMPUR: Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LBGT) lifestyles have been equated to social ills like prostitution and drug abuse by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mashitah Ibrahim (pic).

Responding to a question from Mohd Nizar Zakaria (Parit-BN) on steps to curb homosexuality, Mashitah said it was a "social problem".

“The (LBGT) issue has its own after-effects, which can lead to prostitution, drug abuse, psychological problems and also mental illness. We have been raising awareness on our fatwa against LBGT tendencies with heavy media publicity on the issue to raise awareness, and also about the bad effects homosexuality has on health.”

She said it was only provided to punish Muslim offenders under Syariah laws. "But then again, no religion in this country endorses such lifestyles."

Mashitah said Malaysia did not support freedom for the LBGT community although it was discussed at a United Nations convention last year.

“Part of the LBGT problem is caused by natural reasons, such as being born with two private parts and mental illness.”

Mashitah was non-committal when asked by Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan-PKR) if the federal government would consider giving the opposition funds to implement career-change programmes for transvestites in Pahang. "We already have such programmes, so you are welcome to join us in implementing those programmes," she said.