Watch: Eight pro-LGBT+ protesters detained in Malaysia

5 Aug 2023 • 3:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Eight pro-LGBT+ protesters were detained by Malaysian police outside the Sogo Kuala Lumpur shopping centre on 29 July.

Protesters were holding placards saying “Only God can judge” and “Being gay is not a crime”.

Sodomy has been outlawed in Malaysia for 152 years and those caught face a punishment of caning or imprisonment of up to 20 years.

The protest came a week after British band The 1975’s performance in Malaysia was cancelled after they criticised the country's LGBT+ laws on stage.

Malaysia is also one of the only countries to completely outlaw the gender expression of trans people.