Malay govt holding seminars to help parents and teachers spot gay kids

London, Sat, 15 Sep 2012 ANI

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London, September 15 (ANI): The Malaysian government is organising seminars aiming to help teachers and parents spot signs of homosexuality in children, it has been revealed.

Ten seminars have so far been organised by the Teachers Foundation of Malaysia - and the last one attracted about 1,500 attendees, signalling an increase in religious conservatism in the Muslim majority nation.

"It is a multi-religious and multicultural (event), after all, all religions are basically against that type of behaviour," the Daily Mail quoted an official as saying.

Malaysia's federal government announced back in March that it was working to curb the 'problem' of homosexuality, especially among Muslims who account for more than 60 percent of the country's 29 million population.

An advice sheet handed out to attendees at a recent seminar said signs of homosexuality in boys might include preferences for tight, light-coloured clothes and large handbags.

It also said signs of homosexuality in girls was less obvious, claiming that lesbians have 'no affection for men and like to hang out and sleep in the company of women', according to reports in the Malaysian media.

Both oral and gay sex is frowned upon in Malaysia, with many viewing it as against the order of nature.

The latest seminar for the teachers and parents was run by deputy education minister Puad Zarkashi, his office confirmed.

"Youths are easily influenced by websites and blogs relating to LGBT groups," he was quoted as saying.

"This can also spread among their friends. We are worried that this happens during schooling time," he added. (ANI)

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