The following article appeared in the online version of BBC news on April 21, 2011. Some groups in Malaysia want to rid young boys of their effeminate behaviors for fear they will become homosexuals. It is an interesting case: the collision of religion, gender and law. It brings up familiar themes debated by scientists, religious leaders and parents worldwide: is homosexuality a product of nature or nurture? Can behavior modification in adolescence ensure heterosexuality in young males perceived effeminate?
Throughout history and across cultures, gender classifications and norms vary widely. For example, in traditional Zuni society in the American Southwest, men who preferred the work of women passed through puberty ceremonies and became "berdaches" (a now pejorative term imposed on them by early colonists) or 'two spirits.' They often became shamans or tribal leaders. The most famous, We'Wha, traveled to Washington, DC, in 1882 and was introduced to high US Government officials and the social elite. In Albania, though their numbers are dwindling, to this day are found 'sworn virgins,' women who take on a male gender role for life in families with no sons, remaining chaste till death. In Thailand are found kathoeys or 'ladyboys,' who are often employed in female occupations such as retail shops, beauty salons and factories. They also engage in sex work. In India are hijras who identify as neither male nor female. Hijras traditionally dance at weddings and conduct ceremonies for new brides to ensure fertility.
All over the world characterizations of femininity and masculinity are varied, complex and often changing. Some 'alternatively gendered' individuals can achieve high social status, others are vilified, while still more are tolerated if they fulfill a function deemed necessary by their society. In some cases, the men who have sexual relations with socially identified 'alternative gendered' males are considered heterosexual, not homosexual; indeed, sexual relations with a member of the same socially identified gender would be wrong, akin to incest or a Westerner's notion of homosexual behavior.
This article illustrates a religious basis for curbing boys away from what is considered feminine behaviors. The question is, can that be done legally in a state society that claims to protect the rights of children without prejudice?
Malaysia's anti-gay camp violates law says minister
Gay rights groups have criticised the move, saying it promotes homophobia. A camp set up to correct the effeminate behaviour of Muslim schoolboys violates the law and should be abolished, says Malaysia's women's minister.
Sixty-six schoolboys identified by teachers as effeminate began counselling this week to discourage them from being gay. They are undergoing four days of religious and physical education. An education official said the camp was meant to guide the boys back "to a proper path in life". But the women's minister, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, said singling out these children based on perceived feminine mannerisms was traumatising and harmful to their mental health.
The camp violates the Child Act, which protects children without prejudice, she said. Gay rights groups have also criticised the measure, saying it promotes homophobia in the Muslim-majority country where gay sex is still illegal. The schoolboys allegedly displayed "feminine mannerisms" - though educators in the conservative state of Terengganu did not detail what they were, the BBC's Jennifer Pak reports from Kuala Lumpur.
State officials say that, if left unchecked, the students - aged between 13 and 17 - could end up gay or transsexual. They blame parents for encouraging boys to develop feminine traits, by dressing them up in girls' clothing at a young age. Terengganu state's education director, Razali Daud, said the students were invited to join the camp and were not compelled to do so. "As educators, we have to do something about it before the young ones misunderstand people and reach the point of no return," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times. Mr Razali says although homosexuals and transvestites exist in Malaysia, the authorities want to limit their number.
Homophobia
Gay sex is illegal in Malaysia and homosexuals say they face discrimination from government policies such as a law that makes sodomy punishable by 20 years in prison. Activists say it is appalling that educators are persecuting children for expressing their personalities and identities. The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality said "corrective boot camps" violate the rights of people who are perceived as different. "It should be strongly opposed and challenged as it promotes homophobia and prejudice," the group said in a statement. "We should send a clear message to institutions that they have no business meddling with an individual's identity and personal preference."
A campaigner for sexual rights, Pang Khee Teik, described the camp as outrageous and an example of homophobia. "All the students will learn from these camps is that they are expected to behave a certain way," said Mr Pang, co-founder of Seksualiti Merdeka. "And in order to avoid further ridicule, perhaps they will learn to pretend better. In the end, we are only teaching them how to be a hypocrite."
Below is a brief video introduction of kathoeys to Thailand.
A campaigner for sexual rights, Pang Khee Teik, described the camp as outrageous and an example of homophobia. "All the students will learn from these camps is that they are expected to behave a certain way," said Mr Pang, co-founder of Seksualiti Merdeka. "And in order to avoid further ridicule, perhaps they will learn to pretend better. In the end, we are only teaching them how to be a hypocrite."
Below is a brief video introduction of kathoeys to Thailand.
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