“I Don’t Want to Change Myself”
Anti-LGBT Conversion Practices, Discrimination, and Violence in Malaysia

Faced with political instability, the Malaysian government has resorted to heavy-handed tactics, investigating, and arbitrarily arresting those critical of the government, pursuing a hardline anti-migrant policy, and threatening enhanced action against LGBT people. Over 179,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from Myanmar, are registered with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), but are not granted legal status and remain unable to work or enroll in government schools. Police abuse of suspects in custody continues to be a serious problem, as does a lack of accountability for such offenses. Malaysia still permits child marriage under both civil and Islamic law.
Anti-LGBT Conversion Practices, Discrimination, and Violence in Malaysia
New Government Should Protect Free Speech, Refugees, LGBT People
Before Elections, Commit to Ending Detention Without Trial, Free Speech Restrictions
Grant UN Refugee Agency Access to Immigration Detention Sites
Criminalization, Conversion Practices Threaten Safety, Dignity
President Biden Should Raise Key Issues with Regional Leaders
Key Countries Should Overhaul Approach to Junta’s Atrocities