In respond to the caning sentence imposed on two women by the Kuala Terengganu Syariah High Court after they were found guilty of attempting same sex relations in April, SUPP Women Chief Kho Teck Wan expressed her concern over the need of public caning for such offence. 

Kho acknowledged that same sex relationship is ban not only in Islam, but many other religions as well. ‘Those who committed the offence could be punished according to their religious laws. However, in this particular case in Terengganu, the punishment was witnessed by over 100 members f the public. Every religions teach us to be compassionate, even in our punishment. In the case of Kuala Terengganu, she considers the public canning of these women is very severe, it is a violation of their human rights.’ said Kho in a press release.

‘If our society doesn’t punish the serial rappers or pedophiles in public, why are we punishing these women in front of so many people?’ Asked Kho.

In comparing the same sex relationship with rape and pedophilic act, Kho believe that instead of canning those who are guilty of same sex relationship, the society will benefit more if all serial rapist and Pedophiles’ identity are made public. These perpetrators caused physical and mental harm to the victims and their families. Where as in this case at Kuala Terengganu, the attempted same sex relations was a consensual act between the two adult females with no victim involved. 

Kho urges the Syariah High court to reconsider public canning of any kind.