A Perkasa protest against Seksualiti Merdeka today quickly morphed into an anti-Ambiga Sreenevasan march, with protesters calling for her arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Ambiga, who is Bersih 2.0 chief, was slated to attend the opening of Seksualiti Merdeka which was to be officially launched on Nov 9.

NONE Protesting at the National Mosque after Friday prayers, some 30 marchers armed with banners condemned the organisers of Seksualiti Merdeka.

Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual festival celebrating the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, organised by a loose coalition of NGOs, artistes, activists and individuals since 2008.

NONE The banners read, among others, “Just ISA Ambiga, the antichrist”, “All religions oppose homosexuality” and “Islamic Religious Departments must take stern action”.

“Supporting gays and lesbians will destroy our country,” declared Perkasa Youth chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris, vowing to stop such a culture to “the last drop of blood”.

The group also held up a poster that said: “Ban the Bar Council”, calling for the legal body to be declared illegal for its support for Seksualiti Merdeka.

NONE The group later marched to the Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi) office, a stone’s throw away from the mosque, to submit a memorandum calling for action against Seksualiti Merdeka.

The memorandum was submitted by Perkasa deputy president Abdul Rahman Bakar to Jawi director Che Mat Che Ali around 2pm.

‘Outraged by intolerance’

Meanwhile, Lawyers for Liberty in a statement today condemned Perkasa for its attacks on Seksualiti Merdeka and Ambiga.

“We are outraged at this display of intolerance. Perkasa’s attack is against the freedom of speech and expression, which is accorded to every individual as enshrined in the federal constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The organisation called on Malaysians to stand up against all kinds of incitement ro harass, threaten or violate minority and marginalised groups.

“All minorities must be treated equally despite their differences of sexual orientation or opinion.

"It is the duty of the authorities to guarantee the safety and security of the organisers, volunteers, supporters and sympathisers of Seksualiti Merdeka,” Lawyers for Liberty added.

VIDEO l 6.18 mins

Related stories

Minorities have rights, too, says Ambiga

Police move in to stop Seksualiti Merdeka forum

PAS distances itself from Ambiga over gay rights

Bishop takes nuanced stance on Seksualiti Merdeka

Four get leave to challenge law barring cross-dressing

Mahathir backs ban on Seksualiti Merdeka

Now, Bar Council building splashed with red paint

Anger against Lim deflected at Seksualiti Merdeka instead

Seksualiti Merdeka: A plea for calm and rationality

Selangor PAS: Don't deride the LGBT, help them

Seksualiti Merdeka row: Go after the real monsters

M'sia going down the 'V for Vendetta' road