Skip to Content
AP-National

Malaysia’s top court invalidates state’s Islam-based laws on incest, sodomy and other offenses

By
Published 12:45 AM

By EILEEN NG
Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s top court has struck down Shariah-based criminal laws in an opposition-run state, saying they encroached on federal authority. Islamists denounced Friday’s decision and said it could undermine religious courts across the Muslim-majority nation. In an 8-1 ruling, the nine-member Federal Court panel invalidated 16 laws created by the Kelantan state government. It imposed punishments rooted in Islam for offenses that included sodomy, sexual harassment, incest, cross-dressing and destroying or defiling places of worship. The court said that the state could not make Islamic laws on those topics because they are covered by Malaysian federal law.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

Related Articles

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content