Malaysian PM Mahathir denounces caning of women for lesbian sex
Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad today denounced the caning of two women convicted of having lesbian sex in violation of strict Islamic laws after the punishment sparked a storm of criticism. The pair were caned in front of over 100 spectators in an Islamic court on Monday, with one of them breaking down in tears after they admitted breaching rules forbidding homosexual relations. Here's more.
The punishment in conservative northern Terengganu state marked the first time that women have been caned for same-sex relations in Muslim-majority Malaysia, according to campaigners. It heightened fears about a worsening climate for the country's homosexuals.
Mahathir said he had discussed the issue with his cabinet and they felt the caning does not reflect justice and tolerance in Islam. "This gives a bad image of Islam and we believe that if there are similar cases like this we need to consider giving lighter punishments. It is crucial we show Islam is not a cruel religion... that humiliates people," he said.
Mahathir said as it was a first offense for the women, they should've been advised rather than being caned. The women, aged 22 and 32, were arrested in April by Islamic enforcement officers after they were found in a car in public. The pair pleaded guilty last month and were sentenced to six strokes of the cane and a fine of 3,300 ringgit ($800).
Multi-ethnic Malaysia operates a dual-track legal system, with Islamic courts handling religious and family matters for Muslim citizens, who make up over 60% of the country's population. Islamic laws are overseen by individual states in Malaysia. Terengganu state is governed by the conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which is not part of the ruling coalition at the national level.
The caning came against a backdrop of what activists say is growing intolerance towards the country's LGBT community. The Islamic Affairs Minister has spoken out against homosexuals, while a transgender woman was brutally attacked in the southern state of Negeri Sembilan.
