ANY moves to send those from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to “rehabilitation camps” breaches fundamental rights protected under the Federal Constitution.
“Articles 5,8 and 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees equality before the law and freedom of expression.
“Besides, such ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBT has been outlawed in many countries. The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) also said that there is no proof that such process helps the community,” Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) gender bureau chief Chong Yee Shan told FocusM.
Three days ago, Dewan Negara People’s Welfare Caucus chief Datuk Razali Idris called for the Government to set up “rehabilitation centres” to “guide” the LGBT community back to the right path.
He added that that some in the community went overboard suing social media, affecting public safety.
The leader said this, following cases where a transgender had made sex jokes to a minor and another one involving a cosmetic entrepreneur showing her privates on social media.
Unimpressed with Razali’s statement, Chong said that in a research conducted recently, 98% out of the 940 individuals who attended such a programme suffered mentally and felt victimised.
“In a foreign country which has such ‘conversion therapy’ programmes, most of the attendees suffered psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and even attempted suicide.
“Therefore, such ideas are dangerous as it involves invoking hatred and violence to an already vulnerable community,” she stated.
As for the two transgenders mentioned by Razali, Chong reminded the Senator that the duo were being investigated by the police.
She added that one should not condemn an entire community just because some of them broke the law, adding the Bersatu leader should not politicise the matter.
“Razali should use his position to focus on critical issues plaguing the country such as sluggish economy, rising unemployment, the slow vaccination programme and others instead of diverting people’s attention.
“Do yourself a favour and attend programmes and dialogues featuring speakers from the LGBT community to understand their situation.
“What they need is equal treatment, not ‘conversion therapy’,” Chong remarked. – June 15, 2021.
