Malaysia wants to punish those ‘promoting an LGBT+ lifestyle’ under Sharia law

A government task force in Malaysia has tabled terrifying amendments to Sharia law that would stop people from “promoting the LGBT lifestyle” on social media.

Gay sex is already illegal in Malaysia under a colonial era ban, and LGBT+ people routinely face discrimination – but proposed changes to Islamic law could make the country an even more oppressive place for queer residents, Reuters reports.

Ahmad Marzuk, deputy minister for religious affairs, said the task force was asked to consider new, stricter laws after social media was flooded with celebratory posts for Pride Month.

If the task force’s recommendations are implemented, people who “promote” LGBT+ lifestyles on social media and those who “insult” Islam online could face punishment under Sharia law.

“We have found that certain parties uploaded statuses and graphics that insulted Islam on social media in their efforts to promote the LGBT lifestyle,” Marzuk said in a statement.

Malaysia moves to punish those who ‘insult the religion of Islam’ online.

He said the proposed legal change would allow authorities to take action against Muslims who “insult the religion of Islam” and those who commit criminal offences “by using network facilities, network services or application services”.