LGBTQ rights in Malaysia

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Malaysia face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Although same-sex identities alone are not criminalised under the law, the act of sodomy (anal sex) is a crime in the country, with laws enforced arbitrarily. Extrajudicial murders of LGBTQ people have also occurred in the country. There are no Malaysian laws that protect the LGBTQ community against discrimination and hate crimes. As such, the LGBTQ demographic in the country are hard to ascertain due to widespread fears from being ostracised and prosecuted, including violence.

In 2015, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that "Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is pervasive in Malaysia." Over the years, there have also been cases of violence against individuals in Malaysia based on their sexual orientation, which has been tolerated by the state. Conversion therapy is practiced regularly in the country and is openly promoted by politicians and religious leaders. In 2023, the Global Trans Rights Index ranked Malaysia as the second worst country in the world in terms of transgender rights, only after Guyana.

With widespread anti-LGBTQ conversion practices, discrimination, and violence in the country supported by the state, Malaysia is one of the most homophobic countries in the world. Social attitudes towards the LGBTQ community in the country are largely shaped by Islam, the official state religion of Malaysia, although a significant proportion of Malaysians of other religions such as Christianity also holds strong homophobic views. Since at least the 19th century, the mores of Malaysia have strongly disapproved of same-sex relationships and transitioning, which has shaped public policy. As a result, LGBTQ rights are not pursued by any political party.