GROWING anti-LGBT sentiment among politicians will lead to threats of violence and health service barriers for the marginalised community, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib said.

“They may cause an escalation of harmful and discriminating actions and promote violence,” he said in a statement today.

“These communities, which include persons of different gender diversity and sexual orientation, often encounter sexual harassment, discrimination, and face threats of physical and emotional violence.”

Azrul was referring to recent speeches in the Dewan Rakyat against the LGBT agenda from lawmakers on both sides of the divide.

He said the disparaging, discriminatory and bigoted comments that arose during the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s report were concerning.

There have been documented cases of transgender women being assaulted or killed in Klang, Seremban, and Kuantan, he said.

He said the perpetrators often act with impunity and escape unpunished.

Mitch Yusmar Yusof, a senior fellow of the Galen Centre, said the LGBT group faced barriers to health services.

“Fear and discrimination discourage them from seeking treatment and care; they may have trouble finding alternative healthcare services if they are turned away. Where is our compassion?” he said.

Azrul said article 8 of the Constitution states that all persons are equal under the law and that there should be no discrimination against citizens on the grounds of gender.

“These are fundamental rights under both the Malaysian Federal Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“As members of parliament, they, more than anyone else, should know that everyone is protected by the law and there is no room for harassment and threats against anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.

“One should not be subject to inequality by virtue of their sexual orientation. Proposing any legislation which may deprive a person of such protection is heinous.”

He added that Malaysia’s second-to-last position on the Global Trans Rights Index is not something to take pride in.

“Instead it is an indicator of a high level of injustice towards marginalised and vulnerable populations.” – June 16, 2023.