Two Malaysian states are considering
harsher Islamic laws against gay sex, the AFP reported.
Gay sex is already punishable by law in
Malaysia. Offenders risk caning and up to 20 years in jail.
Proposals in Pahang and Malacca would
increase the penalties by adding state religious charges. That is, a
Muslim gay could be punished under both systems, resulting in longer
sentences.
“Homosexuality is against Islam. Men
should look for women, not men. So that's why we don't want to
follow this activity promoted by Western countries,” said Mohamed
Ali Rustam, chief minister of southern Malacca state and a member of
Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling United Malays National
Organization party.
In September, the party had announced
plans to expand civil liberties.
“People are talking about human
rights, but this is not right. … It's our duty [to stop it] but we
cannot take action because there is no law,” Ali Rustam said.
He added that the proposed penalties
would also extend to supporters of homosexuality.
Approximately 60 percent of Malaysians
are Muslims subject to both criminal laws and Islamic laws for civil
matters.