LETTER | Recently, THE LGBT issue seems to have come off very strongly in the Malaysian community. We are not denying the fact that our Malaysia Baru celebrates all Malaysians, regardless of their religion, belief, race or ethnicity.

Please note that we Malaysians have no intention to either directly attack or condone this community. We respect this community as they also carry a MyKad, just like everyone else. They have entitlements as citizens of Malaysia and they should be treated nicely, undoubtedly.

As we try to accommodate everyone’s needs, as we try to implement equality for all, maybe this community tends to overlook Article 3 (1) of Federal Constitution whereby it is clearly stated that Islam is the religion of the Federation.

Muslims in Malaysia are governed by Islamic personal and family law which have been in existence since the 15th century. Article 121 (1A) of the constitution of Malaysia today states that exclusive jurisdiction has been given to the Syariah courts for the administration of Islamic laws.

The Islamic disapproval of homosexuality is based squarely on the Quranic story of the Prophet Luth. It is repeated several times in the Qur’an. It is mentioned in verses 7:80, 11:77, 15:59, 21:71, 26:161, 27:55, 29:26, 37:133 and 54:33.

Not only in the Qur’an, but homosexuality is also mentioned in the Bible Leviticus 20:13 which declares it is offensive for a man to lie with another man as with a woman and both partners are to be executed.

The prohibition of sexual acts between men or between women is regarded as violations of natural law known even to non-Jews (Romans 1:18-32; 2:14-16).

All that being said, this community should really take one step back to re-evaluate their demands. I would like to reiterate that this community is being heard and bashing them using foul language is unacceptable and intolerable. Mutual respect is the key.

The only entreaty is for them to realise that we live in a country where Islam is the official religion and Islam does not tolerate homosexuality.

They should be respecting the majority of the people who are slightly alarmed at the openness and liberalism of this community and people who are supporting their ideas. There is a line that one should never cross when you are living in a mixed community especially when it involves a sensitive issue that is related to religion.

We believe that we are not discriminating against anyone and not planning to but again, there is definitely a thin line that any community or group should never cross.

In the light of the recent news that involved a Muslim lesbian couple who received the caning punishment, many parties are actively giving comments and opinions leaving wicked and vile comments. This should not be happening as mutual respect is the key. Respect is earned and should be reciprocated.

The LGBT community should respect the values that Malaysians have upheld for centuries by not crossing the line with their demands and in return, we should respect them as human beings who have feelings by not simply having negative connotations and praying that they will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

At the end of the day, it takes two to tango. I am a Muslim and I am completely against those who either disrespect or harass the LGBT community but I am not also saying that I am a big fan of their activities either. Agree to disagree.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.