Advancing decriminalisation, recognition, and protection for LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people in Malaysia.
Advancing decriminalisation, recognition, and protection for LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people in Malaysia.
Highlights
Justice for Sisters advocates for the full realisation of human rights for LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people in Malaysia.
What we are working on:
Infographics
November 8, 2024
Benefits of Legal Gender Recognition of trans & non-binary people in Malaysia (ENG/BM)
Key Trends
1. Escalating Criminalisation
From 2019 to 2022, eight new anti-LGBTQ shariah laws were introduced across three states, including three targeting trans men and transmasculine people. Click here to read more
2. Increased promotion of conversion practices
As of December 2024:
- 2,460+ “ex-LGBTQ” individuals have attended state-run spiritual guidance camps.
- 250 were referred to KSKCareCenter for psycho-spiritual “treatment” via health clinics.
3. Expanding Censorship
Beyond banning films, books, and merchandise, federal agencies now restrict gender expression and ban displays of LGBTQ solidarity.
4. Deep Mistrust in Institutions
A survey of 220 LGBTIQ respondents found that 59.1% do not feel safe reporting cases to government agencies.
5. Weaponisation of HIV
HIV is falsely framed as divine retribution for being LGBTQ. State rehabilitation programmes use HIV interventions to target LGBTQ people under the guide of “reform”.
6. Surge in Hate Speech and Misinformation
Election monitoring found that LGBTQ-related hate speech made up 47% of monitored social media posts – twice as high as hate speech related to religion or race.