WorldMalaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday denounced the caning of two women convicted of having lesbian sex in violation of strict Islamic laws after the punishment sparked a storm of criticism. According to campaigners, this was the first time women have been caned for same-sex relations in Muslim-majority Malaysia. Mahathir added his voice to growing criticism, saying he had discussed the issue with his cabinet and they felt the caning “does not reflect justice and tolerance in Islam”. The women, aged 22 and 32, were arrested in April by Islamic enforcement officers after they were found in a car in a public square. The pair, whose identities have not been revealed, pleaded guilty last month to breaking Islamic laws and were sentenced to six strokes of the cane and a fine of 3,300 ringgit ($800).

Source: Sunday Times September 06, 2018 08:15 UTC