November 4, 2011 | Sex & Society

Malaysia cancels gay arts fest fearing protests

Police in Malaysia have cancelled a gay arts festival after local Muslim groups threatened to protest it. The Sexual Independence festival started in 2008 and was established to promote tolerance and sexual freedom. 

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin criticized the event, saying, “I don’t know what our country can gain from this... something like that is totally not beneficial at all."

He added, “In the Islamic context, this is not in line with our religion, it is an immoral (songsang) activity that does not meet our customs, even the Christians also say that they are against.” 

Yassin repeatedly referred to his country as free, but said there were limits to freedom. Sodomy is still illegal in Malaysia.

Deputy police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement that authorities will “prevent any function relating to the program;" a program he said would "create disharmony, enmity and disturb public order.”

The official launch date of the festival was to be November 9. Organizers have not stated if they will push ahead with the event in spite of the objections from authorities.

Muhyiddin: Seksualiti Merdeka is ‘immoral’  [Free Malaysia Today]

Malaysian gay arts festival cancelled because of Muslim disapproval [Pink Paper]