Fridae

The police in Penang have accused local authorities of inaction resulting in the state becoming a gay sex services hub.

Malaysia's The Star newspaper on Feb 4 reported that police raided two gay joints, a massage parlour and a fitness centre, and arrested 19 men including a 65-year-old grandfather.

Patrons of the bar say they were made - some by physical force - to lay face down on the bar's filthy floors for up to two hours while police officers made anti-gay slurs.

Police in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou arrested about 50 men on Mar 30 and 60 men on Apr 3 at a public park.

Indian gay web sites and email groups are abuzz with chatter after Thane police raided a private party and arrested six men on Saturday night. While some are concerned that the raid might be part of a larger crackdown, a prominent member of a gay group has called on the community to calm down and not retreat into their closets.

Following the recent raid of a fitness centre in Penang where 37 men were arrested, it has emerged that contrary to media reports, there was no "sex party" in progress when police raided the establishment. SH Lim gives readers an insight of the case and how the community has responded.

With the shut down happening just days ahead of the big Mardi Gras parade and party weekend, last Sunday's drug bust has somewhat dampened moods in the Australian city as some fear similar action by the police.