Group slams caning of Terengganu women over samesex relations
KUCHING: The Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) has expressed its shock over the public caning of two women in Terengganu under Syariah law for attempting to have same-sex relations.
Its president Margaret Bedus said it is unfortunate that sentencing had resorted to women being caned in the country.
“As an organisation which advocates for women, we are against all forms of violence and want Malaysia to be a leader in respecting human rights.
“We don’t want our country to be known for whipping and shaming women from minority groups who were not able to even afford legal representation,” she said when contacted for comments yesterday regarding the case which has drawn the ire of politicians as well as women and human rights groups.
She stressed that all major religions call for humanitarian practices and understanding.
“Our Muslim sisters know their faith calls for women to be treated with dignity and justice.
“These are the principles needed to guide us along should there be any comments from other groups,” she added.
She also opined that violence in all forms and towards any groups should not be condoned.
“I’m glad that there are politicians and women groups in the country making their stand against violence against women and the LGBT community.”