Activists decry Malaysia ban on LGBTQ books

Activists in Malaysia criticized Thursday a government decision to ban three books for allegedly promoting "LGBTQ lifestyles", saying it would further erode gay and transgender rights.

"Jacob's Room to Choose", a children's book about gender expression and identity, was banned in January, the home ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

In the book, a teacher educates children on gender identity at a school after a student wearing a dress feels unwelcome in the boys' toilet.

Two other children's books, "The Tale of Seven" and "Aku", were also banned.

The ministry said its objective was to "prevent the spread of elements that are harmful to morality in the community".

Homosexuality is forbidden in Malaysia and laws criminalizing sodomy can result in imprisonment, corporal punishment and fines.

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