T'ganu defends anti-LGBTQ+ signs, wants public to 'hate' homosexual acts

Summary

• The Terengganu government defends the anti-LGBTQ+ sign at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, stating they aim to instil public hatred towards homosexual acts.

• State executive councillor Wan Sukairi says the sign is to educate the public against behaviour contrary to religious teachings.

• Rights group Justice for Sisters (JFS) condemns the move, calling Wan Sukairi's remarks discriminatory and citing self-censorship faced by LGBTQ+ people in the state.

The Terengganu government has defended the installation of warning signboards condemning homosexual acts in several strategic locations statewide, claiming they are intended to instil public hatred towards such behaviour.

State executive councillor for local government, housing and health Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the initiative was part of efforts to educate the public to reject actions deemed contrary to religious teachings and societal norms.

“We want the public to hate homosexual acts. We want them to see it as filthy, wrong, and something to be avoided,” Sinar Harian quoted the PAS lawmaker as saying.

He said the signboards were also intended to foster an urban atmosphere that promotes Islamic values.

“These signboards are part of efforts to instil an Islamic atmosphere in the city.

“For example, signboards that display phrases praising Allah SWT - when people walk by and see them, they read them. Even if they haven’t said subhanallah (glory be to Allah) that day, maybe seeing the sign will prompt them to say it,” he added.

According to the Malay language daily, Wan Sukairi was responding to a news report questioning a signboard condemning homosexual acts placed near the main entrance of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

Free Malaysia Today reported on Thursday that the signboard featured two male stick figures holding hands, surrounded by flames and a crossed-out heart, alongside a Quranic verse and a message condemning same-sex relations.

The portal also quoted UMT’s management as saying that it was unaware of the signboard, which does not fall under the university’s jurisdiction.

JFS cries discrimination

In response, rights group Justice for Sisters (JFS) condemned the move and criticised Wan Sukairi’s remarks as “discriminatory”.

“The fact that the state exco finds no issue in making such discriminatory statements against LGBTQ+ people shows the alarming level of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people with impunity.

“Our research shows that LGBTQ+ people and students in Terengganu face higher levels of self-censorship and a trust deficit in public institutions,” JFS co-founder Thilaga Sulathireh told Malaysiakini.

“We strongly condemn all kinds of weaponisation and misuse of religion against LGBTQ+ people or anyone, for that matter.

“The weaponisation of religion against LGBTQ+ people, women, and minorities is condemned by UN special rapporteurs, agencies and many international bodies,” Thilaga stressed.

Wan Sukairi said such signboards served as ongoing reminders, particularly in areas frequented by youth, such as higher learning institutions.

“We’re targeting areas near universities because that’s where many young people are. This message is important to prevent them from getting involved in negative behaviours,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that each local authority in Terengganu has the discretion to use different designs or wordings, but the message remains consistent.

“What we are implementing is the initiative of each local authority. In other areas, different wordings may be used,” said Wan Sukairi.

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