Two Malaysian states are considering passing laws that could punish gay Muslims and gay rights supporters with prison sentences, says a regional minister.
"Homosexuality is against Islam. Men should look for women, not men. So that's why we don't want to follow this activity promoted by Western countries," Mohamad Ali Rustam, chief minister of Malacca said.
The politician is a member of Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling United Malays National Organisation party, which announced plans in September to expand civil liberties and break with the country's authoritarian past.
"People are talking about human rights, but this is not right ... it's our duty (to stop it) but we cannot take action because there is no law," Ali Rustam said.
Homosexuality remains a taboo subject in Muslim-majority Malaysia, where sodomy is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
