The Friday sermon issued by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has warned Muslim families of the spread of “secular humanism ideology”, which champions gay issues.

 

The sermon titled “Cabaran Pembentukan Keluarga Abad Milenium” (Challenges to moulding the family in the new millenium), warned of the spread of liberalism and “excessive freedom culture” without regard to public interest and religious concerns.

 

It said liberal ideology supports the spread of the practice and thinking of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

 

“We would like to stress that the gender identity disorder is hurting the Islamic image and inviting calamity from Allah.

 

“Look at what happened to the Sodom and Gomorrah, two countries which is close to the Dead Sea, near Jordan where calamity fell to the community, as a result of its failure to practise Islamic teaching.

 

“Do not allow such deviant practise here, which may result in the calamity to be-fall us. Do not allow one's lust and self-interest result in us putting away the religion and our belief,” the sermon warned.

 

Sodom and Gomorrah are kingdoms which was said to have fallen due to the practise of vice and homosexuality.

 

The two cities feature in many holy texts – the Quran, the Book of Genesis, and throughout the new Testament.

 

Influence of 'foreign culture'

 

The sermon further expressed its concern over the spread of “foreign culture” and “Western thinking”, which it said may affect the sanctity of Islam.

 

It further stressed the role of parents in handling the challenges of bringing up their family in the new millenium, calling for parents to spend more time with their children.

 

The sermon is in line with the national 1Malaysia family day celebrations which is celebrated this Sunday.

 

The criticism over the spread of the LGBT movement follows the Court of Appeal decision last week which declared Section 66 of the Negeri Sembilan Syariah Criminal enactment 1992 that bars Muslim men from cross-dressing as female as being unconstitutional and therefore void.

 

A three-member appellate court led by Justice Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus, who wrote the judgment, ruled unanimously in finding the state law in violation of five rights stated in the Federal Constitution.

 

These rights are under Article 5 (1), regarding Liberty of the Person; Article 8(2) which said no discrimination in law against against citizens on the grounds of religion, race, descent, place of birth, or gender; Article 9 (2) which recognises freedom of movement; and Article 10 (1) (a) on freedom of speech and expression.

 

There is, however, no restriction on women who ‘cross-dress’ as males.

 

Following the controversial court decision, the Negeri Sembilan government has indicated that it would appeal the decision.

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