Malaysia's Home Ministry has banned several books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or themes, retroactively from Jan. 20.
The government says the books promote an LGBT "lifestyle" that is a threat to religious (Islamic) and societal values. Those caught with the banned books could face a prison sentence of up to three years, a maximum fine of 20,000 ringgit ($4,500), or both.
Malaysia has seen increasing religious fundamentalism in recent years with the hardline Islamic party PAS making significant gains in the November general election, and the bans are reflective of the government's conservative attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. The ban comes amid ongoing legal action against two LGBTQ+ music videos.
Some of the books banned : Jacob’s New Dress, The Tale of Steven, Jacob’s Room to Choose, Aku
Malaysian human rights activists have criticized the government's decision.
#Author and editor of over a dozen books.
Admin of Left of Left, Evangelically #Atheist, & #Secular Ohio. #Actor in film under the name, Steven Hudson.
Avid reader.
Let’s get personal, shall we? I’ve been here a while now, and as I’m feeling quite comfortable at Mastodon, I’d like to share a bit more about myself beyond my passion for the climate and the environment.
To begin with, I’m a male, he/him, hetero, strongly supporting LGBTQ rights. I’m a baby boomer, born at 312 PPM 🌏, a United Statesian, although I lived in Europe (mostly Hungary) for several years, and traveled extensively for work before retiring in 2012. I’ve never been good at sustaining long-term romantic relationships, and I’ve finally settled into comfortable singlehood.
I like to say I’m made of contrasts.
For example, I’m rather funny and quite personable, but I don’t enjoy small talk and I hate parties. I currently live in the Bible Belt, but I’m an outspoken atheist. While I can easily fit into most social situations, I don’t feel comfortable around large groups and prefer being alone most of the time. I live near two huge military bases, but I detest the USA’s militaristic, troop-worshiping culture. I’m almost always cheerful, which masks my deeply felt existential nihilism. I’m a neat freak, but also rather lazy, preferring fun over work.
I’ll finish up with some hashtags to add flavor...
"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; " - Article 11, Treaty of Tripoli, signed 1796