Malaysian authorities probe organizers of Pride-themed workshop for promoting ‘deviant culture’

June 11, 2025

Pemuda Sosialis, the youth wing of the Malaysian Socialist Party, was forced to postpone its LGBTQ+ sexual health workshop "PRIDECARE" after Religious Affairs Minister Na'im Mokhtar publicly condemned it for allegedly promoting "deviant cultures" and urged police investigation. Following the minister's statement, organizers received numerous online threats, and two members were summoned by police for questioning related to blasphemy and improper use of network facilities, with their phones confiscated. Human rights organizations including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Lawyers For Liberty criticized authorities for harassing the organizers and inflaming discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

Who is affected

LGBTQ+ individuals in Malaysia
Pemuda Sosialis members and workshop organizers
Workshop participants who would have received sexual health information
Malaysia's Muslim majority (63.5% of population)
Religious and ethnic minorities in Malaysia concerned about increasing restrictions
Civil society organizations defending freedom of expression

What action is being taken

Police are investigating the workshop organizers for alleged blasphemy and improper use of network facilities
Authorities have confiscated phones of two organizers and questioned them
Twenty-one police reports have been filed at eleven district headquarters against the workshop
Human rights organizations are publicly criticizing the government's actions and defending freedom of expression
Pemuda Sosialis is standing firm against what they call "hatred and repression" despite postponing the event

Why it matters

The incident highlights tensions between religious values and constitutional freedoms in Malaysia
It demonstrates ongoing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Malaysia
The government's response raises concerns about freedom of expression and assembly
It shows how laws like the Communications and Multimedia Act are being used to intimidate critics
The situation illustrates growing concerns about the integration of stricter Islamic teachings in governance that could spark racial and religious tensions

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices