KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — An activist group expressed its regret today with Taylor’s University’s cancellation of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) public awareness campaign.
The Campaign for Equality and Human Rights Initiative, or Pelangi, said universities should be a space for productive and critical discourse, instead of where business interests are given priority.
“We regret that Taylor’s University has decided to place its business interests above safeguarding academic freedom and integrity, and standing firm for the autonomy of its students and staff.
“University should be a space for productive and critical discourse, where issues of import to society can be freely discussed and debated,” Pelangi said in a statement.
“It is through deep involvement and keen interest in dealing with complex, even sensitive issues that the youth can become catalysts for change,” it added.
The group added that the three-day event called “Courage in the Face of Adversity” scheduled next month was aimed at combatting prejudice and discrimination faced by the LGBT community.
Despite that, the event was cancelled yesterday during the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a day when activists worldwide coordinate international events to raise awareness of LGBT rights violations.
Earlier today, Taylor’s University explained that it cancelled the event at its campus because the organisers did not obtain its approval.
The private university insisted the decision was not made due to protests brewing on some Islamist blogs that were unhappy that the event would coincide with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Maureen Lim, the campaign director for the event, told Malay Mail Online that the event was cancelled due to the School of Communication’s disapproval.
The event planned for June 6 to 8, more than a week after Ramadan begins, would include a movie screening, forum, exhibition, open mic session, and a pride march at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus.
The local LGBT community remains in the shadows, particularly Muslims, fearing persecution from religious authorities in the predominantly Muslim country that has religious laws prohibiting same-sex relationships and cross-dressing.
