Malaysian Prime Minster Condemns Caning of Two Women For Having Gay Sex

Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has criticised the decision to cane two women in public for having gay sex. The two women were caned in front of a crowd of a hundred people after being found having sex in a car by Sharia law enforcers. They were also fined RM3,300 (£630) each.

“The cabinet discussed the case of the two women and is of the view that [the caning] does not reflect the ideals of justice and compassion of Islam,” Mahathir said, according to a translation by Channel NewsAsia.

“As this was the first case for them, they should’ve been given advice and not punished.

“The cabinet is of the opinion that the circumstances of each case should be considered and how we can, under Islam, hand out punishments that are lighter while at the same time give advice and counsel to the parties.

“We need to show that Islam is not a ruthless religion that shames people with harsh punishments.”

“To our knowledge, this is the first time this punishment has been imposed in the country for same-sex relations in this way, for this so-called crime,” said Amnesty International’s Malaysia Researcher.

“(It’s) a sign Malaysia is becoming a more hostile place… We’re incredibly disappointed and view it as a major setback. There’s a growing atmosphere of persecution, and Malaysians are scared.”

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