KUALA LUMPUR: Human rights activist Marina Mahathir says there is nothing wrong with championing for the basic rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
She said there was a need for more public policies and education so that there would be a better understanding of LGBTs.
“You don’t have to approve of their lifestyle. There is no compulsion for this, but you cannot deny the fact that they are humans entitled to the same dignity stipulated in every religion, Islam included. They are human beings.
“Mindsets take time to change but this (Pakatan Harapan) government said they are committed to human rights, so this should be part of it. You can’t just divide human rights for some humans and take it away for others. LGBTs are citizens and voters.
“It will take time, but what we need now is strong leadership. Someone who can make a clear stance on this so that everyone will follow. Malaysians anyway are kind and compassionate and not discriminatory, unless provoked,” Marina said after the opening of a transgender shelter.
Marina said although there were people counting on PH to make good on its word to be more inclusive, some feel they need to ridicule PH on a regular basis when it comes to LGBT issues.
“If you read about LGBT issues on social media, you see how this is still being politicised, especially by the new opposition. Read more via FMT