Sign in Subscribe
Human rights

Justice for Sisters and 12 Other Civil Society Organizations Urge Removal of Anti-LGBT Signboards in Terengganu

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Justice for Sisters (JFS) and 12 other civil society organizations have condemned the Kuala Terengganu City Council for displaying signboards with anti-LGBT messages, labeling them as discriminatory and hate speech under international human rights law. The groups criticized a statement by the Terengganu state executive councillor, which they said incites hatred and promotes discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. The organizations pointed out a pattern of state-sanctioned persecution of LGBTQ people in Terengganu, citing instances such as the caning of two women in 2018 for attempting musahaqah and the introduction of amendments to the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment in 2022 that target transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The signboards bearing anti-LGBT messages in Kuala Terengganu are deemed discriminatory and hate speech under international human rights law by JFS and 12 other civil society organizations.
  • A statement by the Terengganu state executive councillor defending the signboards was criticized for inciting hatred and promoting discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
  • State-sanctioned persecution of LGBTQ people in Terengganu has created a culture of fear and discrimination, with 70% of participants in a recent JFS study reporting experiences of discrimination or violence.
  • The study found severe mental health impacts among LGBTQ individuals in Terengganu, with 60% reporting increased psychological distress due to discrimination and 40% experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  • The groups called on Suhakam and the Minister of Higher Education to initiate dialogue with the city council and Terengganu state authorities to remove the signboards and address their discriminatory implications.
  • The coalition warned against the misuse of religion to justify discrimination against LGBTQ people, referencing international experts who have condemned such actions.

Statistics:

  • 70% of participants in a recent JFS study involving 10 LGBTQ individuals in Terengganu reported experiences of discrimination or violence.
  • 60% of participants reported increased psychological distress due to discrimination, and 40% experienced suicidal thoughts.
  • 10 LGBTQ individuals were involved in the JFS study.
  • 2 women were caned in public in 2018 for attempting musahaqah.

Sources:

  • Malay Mail, "Justice for Sisters and 12 other civil society organisations demand KLCC remove anti-LGBT signboards from Terengganu"

Read more