The Seksualiti Merdeka coalition and 15 other non-governmental organisations have condemned Perkasa, Federal Territories Hindu Sangam and PAS Youth's attacks on the festival.

They called upon the state authorities to protect human rights advocates, including those advocating equal treatment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, inter-sex, and queer (LGBTIQ) community.

"We are deeply concerned about the security of LGBTIQ communities and the activists who have been advocating, for intimidation and harassments against them to cease," the groups said in a joint statement.

The statement’s endorsees include Suaram, Empower, Women’s Aid Organisation, All Women’s Action Society, and Islamic Renaissance Front.

They claimed that sexual minorities are subjected to harassment, threats and violent attacks largely due to the lack of recognition of their rights.

The groups pointed out that the UN Human Rights Council has previously called for states to pass anti-discriminatory legislation that includes sexual orientation, in line with Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The state also has a responsibility, they said, to protect human rights defenders right to develop, discuss and advocate their ideas under Article 7 and Article 12.2 of the UN’s Human Rights Defenders Declaration.

“We believe that everyone in Malaysia deserves to be free from discrimination, harassment and violence regardless of their sexual orientations and their gender identities.

“We believe it is our right to be responsible for our own bodies,” said the NGOs.

They demanded that the authorities:

  • Decriminalise homosexuality and protect sexual minorities from harassment.
  • Refrain from hate speech and protect the freedom of expression of human rights defenders.
  • Ensure the freedom of association of the LGBTIQ, including the right to organise themselves and promote their rights.

More pressure on Seksualiti Merdeka

Earlier this week, Perkasa, Hindu Sangam, and PAS Youth had all condemned the Seksualiti Merdeka, citing social, religious or moral concerns about promoting homosexuality.

Pembela, a coalition of pro-Islam NGOs, joined in the fray today by issuing a statement condemning Seksualiti Merdeka and calling on the police to stop those who are involved.

The coalition also demanded all office-bearers at the Bar Council and Suhakam to resign for allegedly failing to uphold the law, but “promoting immoral lifestyles and violating the federal constitution” instead.

“Pembela rejects the attempts of liberal, plural, and secular groups who are eager to become a slave to the globalisation agenda and drag Malaysian society into imitating this perverse and disgusting lifestyle,” said Pembela deputy chairperson Aminuddin Yahya.

He claimed that such festivals have a hidden agenda to change Malaysian society’s values and ideals as a nation with Islam as the state religion.

LGBT’s liberal, plural, and secular influences, Aminuddin said, would reduce religion and religious law to a mere matter of an individual’s rituals.

The annual festival is scheduled to start on Nov 9 to support and empower the LGBTIQ community.

It includes talks, workshops and film screenings to help Malaysians understand sexual minorities.

Its co-founder Pang Khee Teik had clarified that the programme’s purpose is not to support homosexual activity.


Related stories

Seksualiti Merdeka hot topic in Parliament

Police ban Seksualiti Merdeka festival

DPM dismisses Seksualiti Merdeka as 'a waste of time'

Pressure mounts against Seksualiti Merdeka event

Seksualiti Merdeka ban 'a tragic day' for Malaysia

Don't support Seksualiti Merdeka, Muslims told