Cruel & Unusual

Malaysia under fire for caning men convicted of attempted gay sex

Human rights activists have slammed the nation of Malaysia for punishing homosexual behavior by caning. Recently, the nation convicted four men of homosexual crimes, all of whom were caned as a penalty according to the South China Morning Post.

Caning involves lashes with a bamboo cane about the buttocks in a punishment similar to medieval whipping. The aforementioned men received six strokes each. The cane removes the outer layers of skin and tissue, often cutting deep into the muscle tissue below. Recipients often pass out from the pain and experience severe scarring as a result.

In the case of the four Malaysian men, courts convicted them of “intercourse against the order of nature” after religious authorities discovered the group had planned a discreet party for gay men. Malaysia, a mostly Muslim country, strictly enforces Shahira law.

Related: Malaysian politician hopes prime minister will be ‘fair’ after gay sex video leak

50 police officers raided the party, arresting 11 people. In addition to the four men already caned, a further six await punishment and one has appealed his sentence. All of the convicted offenders will receive prison terms in addition to their corporal punishment.

“These vicious punishments … are the actual crimes being committed here,” said Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu, executive director of Amnesty International’s Malaysia chapter. “Malaysia should be creating an environment in which LGBT people are free from discrimination, not ensnaring and beating innocent people.”

The criticism of Malaysia’s treatment of LGBTQ people is hardly new. Last year, the nation came under fire for caning a pair of women convicted of lesbian sex. Earlier in 2019, a Malaysian politician caught having sex on tape with another man had his political career ruined and faced similar punishment.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated