Two women have been caned in Malaysia by the Terengganu sharia high court for attempting to have lesbian sex. The women, aged 22 and 32, were each caned six times in the court room, in front of up to 100 witnesses. With human rights groups concerned about the increasing wave of homophobia and transphobia in Malaysia, activists have stated that the ‘public caning’ will only further such prejudice.
The women were identified by sharia law enforcement officers in Terengganu back in April, after they were found attempting to have sex in a car. They both pled guilty to musahaqah, or sexual relations between women, and were fined 3,300 Malaysian Ringgit (£619) and ordered to be caned.
‘The punishment was shocking and it was a spectacle,’ Thilaga Sulathireh, an activist from the Malaysian rights group Justice for Sisters who witnessed the caning told the Guardian, ‘For all intents and purposes it was a public caning.’
Women have previously been caned in Malaysia for sexual offenses like adultery, however activists consider this to be the first time two women have been caned for attempting to have sex.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Malaysia, with each state able to enact sharia law. While activists had previously protested the case, arguing that it constituted torture under international human rights law, the Malaysian government allowed it to go ahead.
‘This case shows a regression for human rights,’ Thilaga continued, ‘Not only for LGBT people but all persons because corporal punishment affects all people.’
There was hope that the new Malaysian government would provide better protections for the LGBT+ community, however this case has proven those optimisms wrong. In a statement sent out in August, Graeme Reid, director of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender program at Human Rights Watch, said it was the ‘latest blow to Malaysia’s LGBT community.’
‘This prosecution and punishment,’ he continued, ‘will only fuel the recent wave of homophobia and transphobia in Malaysia.
Here are all of the fashion brands increasing LGBT+ visibility...
LGBTQ+ pride month fashion
1 of 10House of Holland, Rainbow Suits
Show your true colours with Henry Holland's label House of Holland's vivid rainbow-hued collection of suits that donates 25 per cent of sales to The Albert Kennedy Trust benefits.
2 of 10ASOS X GLAAD
With the motto 'Stand proud. Stand united', ASOS has partnered with the LGBTQ+ charity GLAAD on a 22-piece collection that is available in all sizes and for all genders.
3 of 10Wildfang, Feminist Pride T-Shirt
The global pride celebrations may only last a month, but show your support the year round with this Wild Feminist t-shirt, which donates proceeds to The Trevor Project
4 of 10River Island, Hearts Not Parts Collection
As part of River Island's on-going anti-bullying campaign, Ditch The Labels, their 'Hearts not parts' and '100% proud' gender-neutral slogan tops celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and donate £3 of each sale to charity.
5 of 10Madewell, Human Rights And LGBTQ Equality Campaign
In honour of pride month, Madewell has created a limited edition t-shirt and tote that donates to America's largest civil rights organization, Human Rights Campaign.
6 of 10Vladimir, Rainbow Raincoat
Don't let the weather rain on your pride parade with Stutterheim Vladimir's rainbow raincoat, which gifts 10 per cent of the price to international LGBTQ charities.
7 of 10Dr Martens, Pride Boots
Kickstart equality with Dr Martens' rainbow washed 1460 boots that have a hidden message on the sole. A portion of the sale of each tie-dye shoe goes the Trevor Project.
8 of 10Weekday, Slogan Tees
aise awareness and take pride while celebrating the life and work of the rainbow flag designer and gay activist Gilbert Baker with Weekday's slogan t-shirt collection that donates proceeds to the UN's free and equal campaign.
9 of 10Mignonne Gavigan, Madison Earrings
Make a point with statement jewellery, like these MG glass seed beaded earrings that donate 50 per cent of profits to the Stonewall Foundation
10 of 10Levi’s, I Am…Proud.
In collaboration with the Harvey Milk Foundation, Levi's has devised a line of tee's, shorts and accessories that advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.