NO one should not be discriminated against because of their sex or gender, Penang exco Chong Eng said after the portraits of two LGBT activists were removed from a George Town Festival photography exhibition.

The patriotism-themed Stripes and Strokes exhibition was set up to mark Merdeka month and features photographs of activists Nisha Ayub and Pang Khee Teik posing with the Jalur Gemilang.

It was reported that the order to remove their pictures came from the federal government.

“Expressing one’s love for the country does not harm anyone else, and a person’s sexual orientation is a private matter. We have to respect differences.

“Nobody should be discriminate against because of their sex or gender. So, it is not right for transgender persons to be discriminated against. Everyone has basic human rights.

“We should respect others based on human values and have more tolerance,” Chong said at the state assembly building.

Chong, who chairs the state women and family development, non-Muslim affairs and gender inclusivity committee, said she did not know who instructed the removal of the photos and could not order them to be put back up.

She said the issue could be discussed at the state government level, but that she first visit the exhibition to understand the issue better.

On whether the government would create a policy on LGBT activities in Penang, she said the matter would be discussed.

“Whether to allow or disallow, we have to discuss, listen to all views and then make the decision, no matter how difficult it may be.

“Although LGBT issues are not under my portfolio, I don’t want to run from this. They are also part of our society.”

Chong said the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issue was a “dark area” that all parties, including activists, must approach with caution.

Safety also had to be considered as “we don’t want activists to endanger themselves”.

She said it must also be remembered that there were “many types of people in society”.

The veteran DAP politician spoke of her experience as a women’s rights activist, recounting the resistance she and others faced just for fighting for women.

“When some people go to extremes, they even threaten other people harm. We might expect that others will be civilised like us, to respect differences but we have to be aware there are others who are not like us and they can get very emotional.

“When I ran in the Batu Lanchang state seat years ago, a woman who campaigned for me was threatened. Those who threatened her said they knew where she lived, knew she had a daughter.

“There is no point arguing with people who have their minds set… as activists we need to know the limit to push.” 

Chong said the LGBT community and activists should brace themselves for a long struggle ahead.

“Nobody can be ‘converted’ overnight to accept you just with posters. We have a long way to go yet.

“This group needs to build a good overall public image to get others to see their capabilities. 

“Like how we had to highlight women’s achievements to fight for their rights to take up high positions… the same with fighting for OKU (disabled persons’) rights.” – August 8, 2018.