Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : This rehabilitation centre is established in Malaysia to “get back on the right path,” according to Mohd Fared, a prominent figure in the state’s religious affairs body. The centre aims to house not only same-sex individuals but also those who are deemed deviant from the state-prescribed religious orthodoxy. This includes the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Baha’i, among other groups that have been identified as “deviant.”
The establishment of this centre comes on the heels of a shift in political power in Johor. In the state elections last year, the progressive and multi-ethnic Pakatan Harapan party was voted out in favor of the conservative and monoethnic Umno party. This change in leadership has had implications for LGBTQ rights in the country.
Transgender rights group Justice for Sisters has strongly condemned the detention of individuals in these rehabilitation centres, arguing that it violates the Malaysian constitution. The group asserts that detaining individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression amounts to torture.
The long-term impact of these so-called rehabilitation efforts on LGBTQ individuals is concerning. Justice for Sisters warns that such practices can lead to mental health issues, school dropouts, and even suicidal thoughts. Conversion practices have been widely rejected by medical and human rights bodies as they lack evidence and are not rights-based.
Despite the hopes placed in the progressive administration that came to power in the 2022 elections, Malaysia’s LGBTQ community continues to face discrimination and persecution. The enforcement agencies target them, and there is little difference in the treatment they receive compared to previous governments.
In a Pew Research Center study, it was found that homosexuality is frowned upon in Malaysian society, with over 82% of the population opposing same-sex marriage. Muslims report the lowest support for same-sex marriage among all religious groups surveyed. In contrast, countries where Muslims are in the minority, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, have a higher level of acceptance.
The government’s treatment of the LGBTQ community has attracted international attention. British band The 1975 ended their concert early in Kuala Lumpur in protest against the government’s treatment of LGBTQ individuals. The incident led to the cancellation of a music festival and calls for increased control over major events.
The establishment of this rehabilitation centre highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Malaysia. It is essential to continue advocating for their rights and challenging discriminatory practices.