Jakim stand on LGBT community consistent, says Mohd Na'im

KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has been consistent on its stand about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) told Dewan Rakyat about basic rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, such as access to education, should not be denied.

“What was mentioned by Tambun (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) does not mean to accept the LGBT but in the context of human rights or the rights provided in the Federal Constitution should not be denied to them.

“This is the stance that Jakim is taking,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time on Wednesday (Oct 18).

Na’im said this in a reply to a supplementary question by Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena) regarding Jakim’s stand on the LGBT community following Anwar's live interview with CNN in New York last month.

Anwar told CNN’s anchor, Christianne Amanpour, that Malaysia would never recognise LGBT rights, and he must respect the consensus of the people rejecting the group.

However, he also said the government will not condone excessive action or harassment against those from the community.

Na’im added there are approaches conducted by Jakim with relevant authorities to create awareness and advocacy programmes in curbing the LGBT culture among Muslims.

When asked if there are same-sex marriages registered involving Muslims in the country, Na’im pointed out the country did not recognise them.

“From the legal standing, it is clear that same-sex marriages are not recognised in the country.

“In any records under Jakim or the state religious department, no same-sex marriages are registered,” he said.

Na’im said this in a reply to Aminoldhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) who asked if same-sex marriages have been leagalised in the country.