Malaysia set to curb lesbianism

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 14 (IANS) Malaysia is all set to curb 'tomboy behaviour' among its women that covers dressing like men and gay relationship among women.

Following a recent fatwa (edict) by the National Fatwa Council, police have warned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) not to object to the Council's ruling against tomboy behaviour.

Inspector-General of police Musa Hassan said the protests by certain NGOs, particularly those who speak for non-Muslims, could 'affect the country's safety'.

'Such protests can trigger dissatisfaction within the Muslim community and this could cause tension.

'Action will be taken as it involves public order. They should also respect the religion and not interfere in Muslim affairs,' he was quoted as saying in The New Straits Times Friday.

The vigilantes of the Religious Affairs Department would be assisting the police in the matter.

Hasan was responding to the demonstration held in the national capital recently by non-Muslim NGOs which were against the ruling.

Tomboy behaviour is where girls behave or dress like boys and indulge in homosexuality.

NGOs say a Muslim edict should not be applied to non-Muslims and this could lead to harassment of women by the authorities.

Islam is the official religion in Muslim majority Malaysia that has a multi-ethnic population of 33 percent ethnic Chinese and eight percent Indians, mostly Tamil Hindus, who came here during the British era.

The Council is also expected to issue a Fatwa shortly against Muslims practising yoga that it sees as being of Indian origin with Hindu elements.

The Fatwa was not issued last week as the chief clergy was abroad.

null