Malaysia Muslim body issues fatwa, claims tomboyism is gateway behavior to lesbian sex

by: Salaam

Fri Oct 24, 2008 at 08:24:13 AM EDT

Salaam writes: I've known many girls and women growing up who could be described as "tomboys" and who were not and did not become lesbians. I've also heard people broadly describe women who enjoy participating in sports as "tomboys." This fatwa could have a worrying impact on women's health. Physical activity is important for mental health, which affects the entire family.

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters Life!) - Malaysia's top Islamic council has decreed that tomboyish behavior and lesbian sex are forbidden in Islam, a newspaper said on Friday.

The National Fatwa Council issued the edict following what it said a spate of cases involving young women behaving like men and indulging in lesbian sex, the Malay language Berita Harian daily said.

"There are teenage girls who prefer the male lifestyle including dressing up in men's clothes," it quoted council chairman Abdul Shukor Husin as saying. "More worryingly, they have started to engage in sexual activities."

He gave no other details.

Mainly Muslim Malaysia frowns on oral and gay sex, describing them as against the order of nature. Under the civil law, offenders -- both males or females -- can be jailed for up to 20 years, caned or fined.

Just over half of Malaysia's 27 million people are Malay Muslims, practicing the moderate brand of Islam.

Story here.