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.