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Releasing its World Report 2022, Human Rights Watch has highlighted the deteriorating position of LGBTQ people in Malaysia as being of specific concern.

The primary factor that is impacting LGBTQ people in Malaysia is political instability.

“Freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the press have all come under attack in Malaysia in 2021,” said Linda Lakhdhir, Asia legal advisor at Human Rights Watch. “The government should stop using investigations to harass its critics and respect everyone’s right to peacefully express their views.”

Human Rights Watch found that the Malaysian government has not acted on discrimination against LGBTQ people, and noted that anti-LGBTQ discrimination remains pervasive and appears to be on the rise.

In addition, Malaysian authorities have proposed a range of changes to Sharia regulations that, if passed, would harm LGBTQ people, including harsher sentencing for same-sex conduct and gender expression. Human Rights Watch cited the treatment of Nur Sajat, a transgender woman who fled Malaysia to escape harassment and charges of “insulting Islam” for her attire and later received asylum in Australia, as highlighting the abuse and discrimination faced by Malaysia’s transgender population.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Malaysia?

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Malaysia? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.

Is homosexuality legal in Malaysia?

No. Malaysia retains the colonial-era criminalisation of sodomy that it inherited from Britain.

Punishments could include prison for up to 20 years.

Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Malaysia?

No. There are no protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

Is there Marriage Equality in Malaysia?

No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Malaysia?

Malaysia is a socially conservative country. Homosexuality is a taboo subject.

Homophobia is systemic, and LGBTQ people conceal their sexuality.