KUANTAN: The state government has welcomed the Pahang Islamic Religion Department's (JAIP) move to study the punishment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) cases.
State Culture, Unity, Social Welfare, Women and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsuddin said any move for the betterment of the procedures and law of Pahang should be supported.
Shahaniza said because Pahang had not experienced such matters before, there was no action taken on any offence related to LGBT activities.
"One of the reasons why no such action or punishment has been carried out on LGBT activities is that it is quite difficult for us to prove the offence. The offence is normally done in private.
"It is difficult for us to prove it took place and so far, we have only taken action under the Syariah law for the consumption of alcohol," she said.
Shahaniza said should there be any punishment imposed, it is to be done as an educational approach and not to be cruel to the offenders.
She was commenting on JAIP director Datuk Mohamad Noor Abdul Rani's statement that caning for those involved in LGBT activities was being discussed after the punishment was carried out on two women who pleaded guilty to same-sex relations at the Kuala Terengganu Syariah High Court.
Mohamad Noor said there was no decision yet on the matter, which is currently being discussed by various parties in the state.
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