Malaysian opposition leader criticizes ban on gay festival

Nov 8, 2011, 8:41 GMT

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday joined a chorus of public outcry over the recent banning of an annual gay festival aimed at fighting discrimination.

The Sexual Independence arts festival, held annually since 2008, was banned by authorities for allegedly threatening public order.

Organizers said the event aims to educate and promote freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity in Malaysia, which currently outlaws same-sex relations.

On Tuesday, Anwar said he supported the movement's right to free expression, and criticized the 'extreme policing' methods used to clamp down on the event.

'Can't we talk about things in this country?' he was quoted as saying by the Malaysian Insider online news portal.

Organizers had also expressed regret that their right to conduct peaceful forums, workshops and performances was being restricted.

'The intimidating displays of hatred and ignorance towards us and calls for us to be shut down demonstrate why we absolutely need a safe space and event like Sexual Independence,' they said.

Outspoken rights activist Marina Mahathir, who launched the event in 2009, said it was filled with discussions and activities organised to spread awareness about the gay and transsexual community.

'I have launched the event before without a hitch. It is only to discuss human rights for the community,' Marina was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

The paper on Monday called it 'horrifying to see the level of intolerance and hostility' towards the festival.

Muslim-majority Malaysia has a decades-old law that makes sodomy, even consensual, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.