Here's How Matty Healy Called Out Malaysia's Anti-LGBT Laws Onstage

Matty Healy, lead singer of the band ‘The 1975’ took to the stage in Malaysia and voiced his disappointment over the anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in the country. 

Matty Healy was performing at the Good Vibes musical event recently when he decided to protest against the anti-LGBT laws in Malaysia. Following his act, Malaysia halted the music festival in the country.

Matty Healy Calls Out Malaysia Anti LGBT Laws

Several local and international artists come together to perform at the Good Vibes Festival, a platform that hosts a three-day event for its citizens. 

During his performance, the lead singer of the band Matty Healy informed his team members that while he had thought about cancelling the act altogether, but did not want to let their Malaysian fans down. He said, "I do not see the point of inviting 1975 to a country and then telling us whom we can have sex with." After his speech about anti-gay laws in the country, he kissed his team member and bassist MacDonald. 

The UK singer's move to publicly call out regressive Malaysian laws paved the way for controversy as the authorities halted the festival. Malaysia’s Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil took to Twitter and announced the Immediate cancellation of the festival that was supposed to last till Sunday.

This isn't the first time Matty Healy has openly protested against anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. A similar incident was reported in 2019, in Dubai, where Healy had kissed a male fan during a performance.

Homosexuality is a crime in Malaysia

LGBTQIA+ individuals in Malaysia face many obstacles, stigmas, and dangers in their personal choices. Since homosexuality is illegal there and laws are vigorously enforced by the government, people belonging to the community hold no rights.

Suggested Reading: Malaysia's First Female Deputy PM To Tighten Sex Abuse Laws