Dr M: Caning of lesbians gives bad impression of Islam

PETALING JAYA: The caning of two women convicted of attempting to commit sexual act between them will give a bad impression of Islam, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister said the Cabinet discussed the case yesterday and was of the opinion that it did not reflect the quality of justice and compassion of Islam.

Moreover, it was the duo’s first offence. Usually for first offence, advice would be given and caning was not meted out immediately, he said.

“It gives a bad impression of Islam. This is why we think that if there are similar cases, due consideration must be given in such circumstances, whereby in Islam, we can give lighter sentences and at the same time give guidance,” he said on his Facebook page yesterday.

.The Cabinet’s response came in the wake of two women pleading guilty to attempting to have same-sex relations. Each was caned six times on Monday at the Syariah High Court.

The punishment on the two lesbians, aged 32 and 22, in Terengganu drew mixed reactions from the public, human rights groups and politicians.Several politicians and NGOs criticised the caning, calling it improper and would further marginalised the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Dr Mahathir said it was important that people did not portray Islam as a cruel religion that favoured harsh punishments that were humiliating.

“This is not something that is encouraged in Islam. This is the Cabinet’s stance and we hope that we’d be more careful to avoid portraying Islam as a religion that is rigid and unkind.

“In fact, when we start something, we start it with ‘Bismillahirrahmanirrahim’, in the name of Allah, the most Gracious and Merciful, but then we act as if in Islam there is no mercy at all.” -Star