Terengganu's Anti-LGBT Signboards: A Threat to Human Rights and Dignity

Strategic Insights -

The government of Terengganu has sparked outrage with the display of anti-LGBT signboards, which are in clear violation of international human rights law. The state's actions have subjected LGBTQ individuals to discrimination, violence, and harassment, forcing many to self-censor, isolate themselves, or even contemplate migration. The situation has become increasingly dire, with a majority of respondents reporting suicidal ideation and a significant increase in mental health burdens. The Terengganu state government's actions are also a blatant disregard for constitutional rights, including the right to live with dignity and freedom from state intrusion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Terengganu state government has displayed anti-LGBT signboards, sparking widespread condemnation and concern for LGBTQ individuals.
  • The signboards are in direct violation of international human rights law, specifically the prohibition of hate speech and incitement to discrimination.
  • LGBTQ individuals in Terengganu have reported experiencing discrimination, violence, and harassment, including online and offline attacks, forced conversion practices, and SOGIE change efforts.
  • A study by Justice for Sisters et al found that 70% of respondents experienced multiple SOGIE change efforts or conversion practices, with 60% reporting increased mental health burdens and 40% reporting suicidal ideation.
  • The state's actions have forced many LGBTQ individuals to self-censor, isolate themselves, or consider migration, citing a lack of safety and dignity.
  • The Terengganu state government's actions are in direct contravention of constitutional rights, including the right to live with dignity and freedom from state intrusion.
  • Weaponisation of religion has been used to justify discriminatory hatred against LGBTQ individuals, despite international human rights law rejecting such claims.
  • A call has been made to Suhakam and the Minister of Higher Education to hold a dialogue with the Kuala Terengganu City Council and state EXCO to remove the signboards and address the discriminatory intent behind the state's actions.

Statistics:

  • 70% of respondents experienced multiple SOGIE change efforts or conversion practices.
  • 60% reported increased mental health burdens.
  • 40% reported suicidal ideation.
  • 10 LGBTQ individuals in Terengganu experienced discrimination and violence online and offline, with 7 of them reporting multiple forms of discrimination.
  • 70% of respondents wanted to migrate from Terengganu.
  • Only 3 of the 10 respondents reported instances of discrimination, with the rest either not reporting or opting to self-censor or isolate themselves.

Sources:

  • "The Threats from Anti-LGBT Hate Speech in Malaysia"
  • Justice for Sisters (JFS) and other civil society organizations
  • A Suhakam study on hate speech, name-calling, and sexual violence against trans and intersex people in educational institutions
  • The Independent Expert on SOGI and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
  • The Beirut Declaration on "Faith for Rights"
  • Malay Mail, "Terengganu's anti-LGBT signboards spark outrage, calls for removal"