Five Men Sentenced for Attempted Same‑Sex Act in Malaysia
In a recent bout of legal drama, an Islamic court in Selangor handed down jail terms and caning to five men accused of trying to have gay sex. The verdict came after a raid on a two‑storey flat in November, leading to a mix of prison time, physical penalties, and hefty fines.
What the Court Said
- Four men received six months in jail, six strokes of the cane, and a 4,800 ringgit fine (about $1,163).
- A fifth man got seven months behind bars, six cane blows, and a 4,900‑ringgit fine (roughly $1,600).
According to the court, the five men “tried to defy nature” by attempting intercourse that violates Islamic law.
How the Arrests Unfolded
Authorities swooped in during a November raid, detaining the accused along with seven others. A judge reportedly highlighted that the act was “not in the early stages of preparation,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Responses from the Ground
National rights activist Numan Afifi, president of Pelangi, slammed the sentencing as shocking and a potential threat to the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s a gross injustice and terrible for our country,” he remarked, warning that such punishment could breed fear among local LGBT advocates.
Two more men arrested alongside the initial group are slated for judgement on November 19.
Context Behind the Verdict
- Malaysia’s dual legal system means that Muslims are subject to both civil and Islamic laws.
- Earlier this year, a minister and Muslim groups protested when LGBT activists joined an International Women’s Day march, hinting at increasing tension.
- In September, two women faced caning for “attempting lesbian sex” in Terengganu.
With the majority of Malaysia’s 32 million residents identifying as ethnically Malay‑Muslim, these rulings spotlight the growing intolerance faced by the LGBTI community in the country.
