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Seksualiti - A human rights question, not a public order matter

Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) Press Release - November 4, 2011

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is saddened by the move by the police who have declared a blanket ban on all events organized by 'Seksualiti Merdeka' on the ground that there is a threat to public order.

The same event has been organized in previous years in the same location without being labeled as a public order threat. The police should be protecting minority groups from intimidation and harassments and not play to the gallery. PSM believes that the action by the police is politically motivated since Ambiga Sreenevasan – the leader of BERSIH2 was to do the opening.

PSM calls upon SUHAKAM to advice the police on matters in relations to human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the Malaysian Human Rights charter does recognize these rights. It is important to restate the first three Articles of the UDHR:

Article 1

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

As long as these communities do not encroach into other people's freedom, their right to believe what they believe in, is their fundamental right. Just because we do not believe in their lifestyle or value system, does not give us any rights to violate theirs. All human beings deserve to be free from discrimination, harassment and violence regardless of their sexual orientations and their gender identities.

PSM calls upon all parties including the authorities to adhere to the principles of human rights and recognize the rights of various diverse human races.

Released by:

S. Arutchelvan
Secretary-General
Tel: 019-2537791

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