KL bans gays on TV programs

KL bans gays on TV programs

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has banned homosexuals and transvestites from appearing on the country's state-run television network, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), a top official said yesterday.

"Any artiste who is proven to be a gay will come under the ban. We do not want to encourage any form of homosexuality in our society," Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat, was yesterday quoted as saying by local newspapers.

Mohamed said RTM was bent on making the no-gay ban effective, although it was difficult to determine if an artist was homosexual or transvestite.

Officials said yesterday that the move followed complaints by viewers of RTM shows which had inadvertently featured transvestites.