Islamic Core Group Can Guide LBGT Towards Religion, Says Asst Prof

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- An Islamic core group should be set up in Malaysianthe country to guide Muslims inclined towards same-sex relationships, such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transexuals (LGBT), back to the right path, according to an academician. Assistant Professor Dr Meriam Omar Din of the Psychology Department at International Islamic University Malaysia said, a study found that more Muslims were engaging in unnatural sexual activities. "The core group could somewhat curtail the trend. From what I gathered through communicating with LGBT, not all of them are happy with the life they are leading. "They were drawn into the situation because of sexuality problems, low self-esteem and immoral lifestyle," she told Bernama here. She said society had been tolerant towards the community which comprised some very talented people in the arts, as could be seen by the willingness of relevant agencies to employ them. "Getting them closer to Islam is an appropriate approach to detach them from same-sex dependence," she said, dismissing social websites as a factor. "Unnatural sex was already rooted before the existence of social websites. In the past, those who suffered from an identity crisis would run away from home and go to Chow Kit because they knew there is a group there that would accept them." Dr Meriam said the LGBT would stay away from mainstream society and join the cluster that they believed could accept and support them. "They rebel collectively against society by wearing clothes or do things against the norm. "They deteriorate further by abandoning Islam because they know their activities are against the religion's teachings and as such, it is a cause for anxiety among religious circles, as well as Muslims," she added. -- BERNAMA