Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan, has come under intense fire from human rights advocates following a televised interview where he claimed that work-related stress is a primary factor leading individuals to adopt an LGBTQ+ identity. The remarks have been condemned both domestically and internationally as “unscientific” and “dehumanising.”
The “Four Factors” Theory
During the interview on Monday, as reported by the South China Morning Post, Dr Zulkifli identified four specific contributors to what he termed an “LGBTQ+ lifestyle”:
- Excessive work-related stress
- Social pressure
- Previous sexual experiences
- Insufficient religious observance
The Minister argued that when individuals suffer from extreme exhaustion or overwork, stress can “dominate the mind,” potentially resulting in changes to sexual orientation. He further asserted that such issues would not occur if individuals strictly adhered to religious teachings.
Parliamentary Record and Public Backlash
The controversy intensified after these remarks were included in a formal written response submitted to Malaysia’s Parliament. Civil rights activists and LGBTQ+ organizations were quick to criticize the statements, arguing that they reduce complex gender identities and sexual orientations to mere by-products of fatigue or a lack of piety.
Satirical Response and Viral Memes
While human rights groups issued serious condemnations, the Malaysian public responded with widespread satire on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. A specific phrase quickly evolved into a national meme:
“Tomorrow the whole country should take a day off—otherwise everyone will turn gay.”
Global and Local Criticism
Human rights advocates have stressed that these claims lack any scientific basis and serve only to marginalize a community already facing significant legal and social challenges in the region. Critics argue that linking mental exhaustion to sexual orientation ignores decades of psychological research and promotes harmful stereotypes.
Key Highlights:
- The Claim: Work stress and lack of religion “cause” LGBTQ+ identities.
- The Platform: Televised interview and a formal written response to Parliament.
- The Reaction: Criticized as “dehumanising” by activists; widely mocked via satirical social media memes.
Source: Africa Publicity
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