Malaysia: Love is not terrorism, Najib

What possible connection can there be between a woman who loves another woman and the brutal extremist armed group that calls itself Islamic State (also known as Isis)?

Well, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, they both pose direct threats to the “moderation” that his vision of Islam advances. At an international seminar in Bangi, local media reports say, Najib asserted that extremist armed groups and sexual and gender minorities both pose a threat to Malaysian society.

"Groups like the Islamic State and lesbians, gay, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBT) both target the younger generation,” he said, “and seem successful in influencing certain groups in society.”

Dr Teh Yik Koon, a Malaysian scholar who has extensively researched the situation of transgender people in Malaysia, told Human Rights Watch, “People rely on the government to tell them what’s right and wrong—especially when it comes to [what is perceived as] a religious question.” This is not the first time Najib has attempted to scapegoat LGBT people. Read More via Human Rights Watch