KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 20 (UPI) -- Malaysia's women's affairs minister is denouncing a camp that is supposed to guide boys away from homosexuality.
Sixty-six schoolboys tagged by teachers as showing "feminine mannerisms" began "counseling" and Muslim and physical education this week to shepherd them back "to a proper path in life," an official told the BBC.
Women's Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said Tuesday singling out the boys, ages 13 to 17, would traumatize them and violates the Child Act, which protects children without prejudice.
Educators in the conservative state of Terengganu blamed the boys' parents for encouraging effeminacy and dressing them in girls' clothing.
State Education Director Razali Daud said the camp is voluntary and, "as educators, we have to do something about it before the young ones misunderstand people and reach the point of no return."
Gay sex is punishable by 20 years in prison under Malaysian law.
The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality said the camp "should be strongly opposed and challenged as it promotes homophobia and prejudice. We should send a clear message to institutions that they have no business meddling with an individual's identity and personal preference."
