Why Is The New Malaysian State Law Punishing Women?

The new Malaysian state law will now punish women if they cross certain boundaries with respect to what they wear and what they choose to do if and when they become pregnant before marriage. The law has now grabbed the attention of human rights activists who are objecting to the illogical boundaries set for women in this day and age.

The Terengganu state in Malaysia passed a law that can punish women if they are seen wearing men's clothing. The law also looks to jail women if they carry pregnancies out of wedlock. Termed as severe offences in the state, the punishment for both includes a jail term for three years, a fine of up to five thousand ringgit (1,134 dollars), and six lashes (by cane), or a combination of the three penalties.

Suggested Reading: Indonesia Bans Sex Outside of Marriage: 10 Things To Know

Malaysia law to punish women for dressing like men

The northeastern state of Terengganu, which Parti Islam Se-Malaysia governs, is bringing about changes and preventing women from 'acting like men' according to the new state law passed reportedly.

Saiful Bahri Mamat, the state's religious official, gave his statement to a local news agency after the law was passed and expressed relief over it. Referring to women donning men's clothes as having a 'harmful impact on society, he said that while "it must have not been an issue in the past, seeing the 'tomboy or lesbian' cases are worrisome and therefore state government plans to restrain this issue now."

More than a dozen Human rights groups have now come forward and declared the new legislative changes as against human rights. Calling these laws a severe violation of equality and freedom of expression, the groups said that these changes are a clear indication of gender discrimination that is being carried out in some parts of the country. The activists believe that the law will only worsen the cause of equality and will affect the LGBTQIA+ community well.

The punishment involves six lashes by a cane, a jail term and a monetary fine. These can be levied individually or in combination as per the circumstance. The political party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) won the elections last month and grabbed the most seats in the general election. As per several reports, their aim is to implement stricter laws in the state as per Islamic rules.

This legislative change in the law comes weeks after Indonesia banned extramarital sex alongside, restricted rights of the LGBTQIA++ community and raised severe penalties for abortions.