Federal Court Rules Selangor’s Law On “Unnatural Sex” Is Unconstitutional
While “unnatural sex” is still illegal in Malaysia, the decision draws a clear line between State and Federal powers.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.
A unanimous landmark decision was made by the Federal Court today, ruling that Section 28 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995 is unconstitutional.
Section 28 refers to sexual intercourse against the order of nature.
Any person who performs sexual intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to whipping not exceeding six strokes or to any combination thereof.
Section 28 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995
However, according to the nine-judge Federal Court panel led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, according to the Federal Constitution such laws fall under Parliament, not state legislative assemblies.
“As such, it is our view that Section 28 was enacted in contravention of Item 1 of the State List which stipulates that the State Legislatures have no power to make law ‘in regard to matters included in the Federal List’.
“To that extent, Section 28 is inconsistent with the Federal Constitution and is therefore void,” she said
The ruling was made following a petition by a Muslim man, whose name has been withheld, accused by the Selangor Syariah Court of attempting sex with other men three years ago.
“Unnatural sex” is still illegal, but…
Lawyers have been quick to point out the ruling today does not mean “unnatural sex” is not a crime in Malaysia as it still falls under Section 377 of the Penal Code but it does clear things up a bit when it comes to Malaysian legal system.
“What this decision means is that state religious officials can no longer enforce State laws on this. But the police may continue to enforce [Section] 377A of Penal Code,” wrote lawyer Lim Wei Jiet on Twitter.
However, Human Rights lawyer Michelle Yesudas tweeted, “One must recognize the importance of this decision: the Courts have risen to its duties in interpreting the Federal Constitution, clearly demarcating the boundaries and powers of the State Legislative Assembly, absolutely necessary when respecting the Rule of Law.”
Share your thoughts with us on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
TRP's Head of Editorial, Hamzah was formerly a hard-news journalist who reported on politics, did investigative work, and occasionally went undercover. He now spends his days sitting at a desk, checking grammar and fielding calls from PR companies, which is totally fine and fulfilling. For sure. He's also married with kids now so his wife and mother said he can't do risky things anymore.