Opinions split over sexuality movement

The Star 

KUALA LUMPUR: Seksualiti Merdeka has attracted opposing views in its fight for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi slammed the movement, asking it to “repent” and to cancel its programme.

He accused the movement of fighting an “immoral” battle.

“The gay and lesbian culture is a deviated culture and should not be fought for or practised by any human being, especially Muslims,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The Seksualiti Merdeka festival has been held annually since 2008. It is currently ongoing at The Annexe Gallery here until Nov 13.

Nasrudin also urged the movement themed “Queer Without Fear” to shut down and not to proceed with its campaign which called for freedom in their Western lifestyle and which was against local norms and culture.

“The motivation to lead a gay, lesbian and bisexual lifestyle is a result of uncontrolled urges,” said Nasrudin, adding that it was with the same rationale that they were protesting against Elton John's concert in Malaysia on Nov 22.

“Although Elton John is not going to call on Malaysians to copy his gay lifestyle, the acknowledgement given to him will only motivate the gay culture in Malaysia, which is fast becoming rampant,” said Nasrudin.

He joined in a chorus of protests against Seksualiti Merdeka, notably by Perkasa and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council.

Yesterday, Wira Perkasa chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris handed a memorandum to Bukit Aman public relations officer Asst Comm Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, calling for a ban on Seksualiti Merdeka.

One of the founders of Seksualiti Merdeka, Pang Khee Teik, said it was illogical to promote homosexuality because “you are either gay, or you are not”.

“We still have rights as human beings and, honestly, I genuinely believe that we are not doing anything wrong. We are not hurting anyone,” he said.

Pang said Seksualiti Merdeka was a platform to create understanding for the marginalised and misunderstood community.

“It is not promoting homosexuality, but a promotion of people who understand sexuality and those who accept themselves,” he said.