COMMENT | 377: The law that changed Msia's political history forever

| Some may remember Malaysia as a nation with a one-time penchant for projecting its record-achieving feats.

Moreover, between 1990-2010, the overwhelming majority of men who were charged in court were those who had engaged in anal or oral sex with children, rather than men in consensual same-sex relations. In other words, the law was largely flexed upon adults involved in coercive or underaged anal or oral sex, ie anal or statutory rape; not on consenting adults.

The question of why and how this linkage happened is outside the scope of this article and deserves a separate discussion. Suffice to say, it is more helpful to understand the introduction of 377 not solely as a piece of legislation to prohibit these kinds of sexual acts but as part of a broader set of morality laws that British rule instituted for a variety of reasons.

Worse perhaps, British expansion introduced "guilty inhibitions about sex into societies previously much better sexually adjusted than perhaps any in the West", according to professor Ronald Hyam. This, however, should be a reason to abolish the law, not leave it unchallenged. Another less obvious explanation, and one worthy of more query, is related to how sex and sexuality - along with gender diversity - continue to be narrowly understood in this country.

In 1989, Parliament responded to pressure by women’s groups to expand the definition of rape in the Penal Code to cover anal rape. However, for reasons never made public, it criminalised this under 377, not Section 375 on rape.

Source: Law Daily Report (lawdailyreport.net)

Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

COMMENT | Malaysia’s crisis of political legitimacyAn immoral regime of immoral politicians can’t enjoy legitimacy. Nor should it be accorded legitimacy by the people.
Source: malaysiakini - 🏆 20. / 51 Read more »

Trump's aide Kushner suggests possible delay in US electionThe election is scheduled for Nov 3 by law and the White House has no authority to make a change. FMTNews Trump
Source: fmtoday - 🏆 5. / 72 Read more »

Change in Kedah gov't justified, ends speculation - AnalystsUUM's Md Shukri Shuib says this change will contribute to political stability which will be good for the people. an academicians telling us it was justified for an elected gov from last general election to be hijacked by filthy politicians like that? then what do you expect from the citizens. RIP to the democracy process in Malaysia. 'MALAYSIA BOLEH' at another level.🙌 Of course he will say that his Malay Islamofascists stealing governments is justified. What kind of a stupid system allows a gang of thieves going to see their and Agong and Rajas to get appointed as government and ministers? What's the use of holding elections? Chek Det weakness point....🤪
Source: malaysiakini - 🏆 20. / 51 Read more »

Making history, changing the rhythm of live musicMfM Frontliners will be the first band in Malaysia to perform online in adherence to regulations under the conditional movement control order. FMTNews FMTLifestyle
Source: fmtoday - 🏆 5. / 72 Read more »

Twitter on iOS now shows Retweets with commentsTwitter users on iOS can now see Retweets with comments, nestled under the Retweet count.
Source: staronline - 🏆 4. / 75 Read more »

Instagram's new features combat bullying, promote positive contentInstagam now lets users delete comments on their publications in bulk. FMTNews Instagram
Source: fmtoday - 🏆 5. / 72 Read more »