Pressure mounts against Seksualiti Merdeka event
Pressure is growing against the Seksualiti Merdeka programme as Muslim NGOs and a Sabah Christian leader, Webley Disim, have been quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying that the event is ‘crazy'.
Pressure is growing against the Seksualiti Merdeka programme as Muslim NGOs and a Sabah Christian leader, Webley Disim, have been quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying that the event is ‘crazy'.
To be held next Wednesday, the programme is billed as Malaysia's only festival celebrating the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Webley said there should be protests against Seksualiti Merdeka as it was trying to legalise something clearly illegal in all religions.
"Having gay sex is truly against the norm. I protest against the event as it is clearly deviant and would spoil the morality of people of all faiths," he said.
The daily also quoted Senator Ezam Mohd Noor ( right ) as saying that the event is hosted by the enemies of Islam.
He said it could be seen as a human rights movement supported by PKR and originating from a non-Muslim NGO sponsored by the west.
'Event will create a rise in social problems'
Seksualiti Merdeka is scheduled to be launched by former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan on Nov 9. It is organised by a loose coalition of NGOs, artists, activists and individuals and started in 2008.
The festival's programme, which includes forums, talks, workshops, book launches, an art exhibition and performances, will run from Nov 9 to 13.
Sinar Harian also quoted Malaysia Youth Council president Mohamed Maliki Mohamad Rapiee as saying that the event brings no benefits but would instead create a rise in social problems and decay in moral values.
The daily also quoted Abim secretary-general Mohamad Raimi Ab Rahim, as saying he regretted that the organisers were insensitive and adamant that the event be held.
"Abim urges the authorities to investigate and take action on it," he said.
Meanwhile, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok ( left ), said although homosexual, lesbians and transgenders were not accepted by religion and society, they should be treated fairly and be respected by all people.
"We have to hold to the principle of agreeing to disagree with their demands," she told Sinar Harian .
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