CHAPTER 3 - REPORT OF THE LAW REFORM AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES WORKING GROUP 7. THE RIGHTS OF LESBIAN, GAY, BI-SEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) GROUPS During the year, the Commission ventured further into the area of sexual minority rights. Research is currently being conducted on their rights in Malaysia. In August, the Commission held a meeting with various Islamic groups, to gain better understanding of the Islamic perspective of LGBT. The objectives were to substantiate Islamic sensitivities and views regarding LGBT actions such as same-sex intercourse, cross-dressing, imitation of the opposite gender and gender re-assignment. The application of the principles of non-discrimination under the Federal Constitution on the LGBT was also discussed. The Commission took note of Islam’s position in dealing with LGBT rights. It will similarly engage with Christian, Buddhist and Hindu organisations to gather their views. In November, the Commission held a meeting with the sexual minorities as well as individuals working and advocating for the groups. The objective was to engage directly with the LGBT groups, and to be informed of the challenges and human rights violations that they face. The Commission noted their recommendations. It is observed that discrimination, name-calling, bullying and violence against the group are growing. Some sections of the media have sensationalised LGBT issues and labelled the groups with degrading and offensive names, displaying lack of sensitivity and respect for them. As an interim step, the Commission recommended that the media stop labelling LGBT groups with derogatory terms and stop sensationalising their activities. Steps must be taken to uphold their rights as human beings and protect them against harm and violence. The meetings provided a good platform for the Commission to conduct further research on LGBT rights, taking into consideration religious and cultural sensitivities as well as the majority view. 57