Malaysia holds contest on how to ‘prevent’ homosexuality
KUALALUMPUR: Malaysian health authorities are holding a contest on how to “prevent” homosexuality and transgenderism, drawing criticism from campaigners that it was fanning hatred towards LGBT people.
Activists say intolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has spiked in recent years in Malaysia, a majority Muslim nation.
The health ministry’s contest invites video clips for categories including one called “gender identity disorder”.
“I was shocked. This is encouraging discrimination, hatred and even violence towards the minorities,” said activist Nisha Ayub of Seed Foundation, a charity working with transgender people.
The ministry described gender identity disorder, also known as gender dysphoria, and cited examples of people who are gay, lesbian, transsexual and tomboys. The contest guidelines added that the videos must include elements showing the “consequences” of being LGBT, as well as how to “prevent con trol and seek help” for them.
The contest also includes categories on cybersex and sexual reproductive health, citing examples such as pre-marital sex, teen pregnancy and the impact of “free sex”.
Winners of the contest, which kicked off on Thursday and runs until August 31, will be awarded cash prizes from 1,000 ringgit ($230) to 4,000 ringgit ($935).
A spokesman for health minister Subramaniam Sathasivam said he was not aware of the contest and declined to comment. Other ministry officials could not immediately be reached