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Gays not allowed in Malaysia armed forces
Malaysia said that it would prohibit gays from joining its military because homosexuality is illegal under Malaysian law and forbidden by Islam, following Britain's Royal Navy's announcement on Feb 21 of its decision to actively encourage lesbian and gay people to enlist.

The Royal Navy also said gay service members would be able to live in married quarters with their partners starting later this year. In the same week, a new Congressional study found that the US military has spent more than US$200 million to recruit and train personnel to replace troops discharged in the last decade for being openly gay.

The Malaysian deputy defense minister Zainal Abidin Zin, told The Associated Press: "We will never allow these type of characters to join our family (the armed forces) as this behaviour is against Islam and also against the laws of the country." He added that the Malaysian armed forces "cannot afford to give special privileges to people indulging in unnatural sex acts."

His comments came after chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Mohammad Anwar Mohammad Nor, made similar remarks in the New Straits Times on Feb 23. Simultaneously launching the RMN's passage plan, leadership centre and a book on Islamic education for Muslim servicemen at the naval base on Tuesday night, he told reporters: "The Royal Malaysian Navy will never accept them (homosexuals) as we have to protect the image of the navy."

Gay sex in predominantly Muslim Malaysia is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a flogging. However, the laws are only enforced occasionally and punishment typically results in a short jail term or fine.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who led Malaysia for 22 years before stepping down in October 2003, has often openly denounced homosexuality. In 2001, he said Malaysia would expel a gay British Cabinet minister if he visited with his partner.

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Robin Williams forced to drop song spoofing Focus on the Family at Oscars
In an unusual move, actor-comedian Robin Williams was forced by broadcaster ABC to drop a comic song from the Oscars show on Sunday night, beamed to the world with a five-second time delay in light of Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" a few years ago.

According to a number of other news sources including The New York Times, Williams had to cut a comic song which spoofed conservative critic Focus on the Family CEO, James C. Dobson's recent claim that SpongeBob SquarePants appeared in a "pro-homosexual" video promoting tolerance.

The song included the lines: "Pinocchio's had his nose done! Sleeping Beauty is popping pills!" Other objectionable lines included, "Casper is in the Ku Klux Klan," "Chip 'n Dale are both strippers," "Bugs Bunny's a sexaholic," and "Josie and the Pussycats dance on laps."

Christian right wing groups had recently attacked SpongeBob SquarePants accusing the character of being gay and guilty of "promoting" homosexuality to young people. Other cartoon characters that have also been listed in the current campaign include Shrek and Teletubbies character Tinky Winky.

Despite being instructed to not mention the row when presenting the Best Animation award, he arrived on stage with white tape over his mouth and then said: "They tell me now that SpongeBob is gay," he said. "SquarePants is not gay. Tight pants maybe. SpongeBob Hot Pants? You go, girl!"

"What about Donald Duck? Sailor top, no pants. Bugs Bunny? More dresses than J Edgar Hoover at Mardi Gras. Hello?" he added.

Marc Shaiman, who wrote Williams' original routine said: "It's ironic because I feel the song is silly and the situation is silly and yet on the other hand it's extremely serious. This is the most blatant, immature censorship that I've ever come across."

One online blogger noted: "The inability to lampoon the very forces that are fueling the engine of censorship in the United States is disturbing indeed."

Jamie Foxx and Hilary Swank took Best Actor and Actress, while Clint Eastwood took best director and Million Dollar Baby for best film.

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Lesbian marriages stir debate in India
Three lesbian couples have made headlines in India last week by publicly declaring themselves married. Despite same-sex relationships being a cultural taboo, they are taking advantage of a legal loophole by performing marriage ceremonies and living together as the law does not address same-sex marriages.

Couples are however taking a risk as homosexual sex is still a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison - a law enacted while India was under British colonial rule in 1861.

Raju, 25, and Mala, 22, who use single names, fled their homes in Amritsar in December - a month before Mala was to marry a man - and secretly married at a Hindu ceremony in New Delhi.

The couple was taken to court after their families tried to have them arrested after the couple declared their relationship. The court ruled that they could live together because the law was silent on the issue.

"Nobody can separate us. Not even death," Raju told reporters. "We have vowed to live together for the rest of our lives as 'husband' and wife."

Another lesbian couple in the eastern state of Bihar made the news in the same month after Police arrested Pooja Singh, a widow with an 8-year-old son, and charged her with abducting her 19-year-old female partner, Sarita. The teen was returned to her parents on a magistrate's orders as Singh is preparing her appeal to higher courts against the separation order.

In the third case, a 40-year-old man from Aroor, Kerala married his wife's lover after she confessed her 10-year affair with another woman, 23. The 26-year-old mother of two told her husband that she would kill herself if she couldn't be together with her lover. The three now live in the same household.

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Play School lesbian parents to lead Sydney Mardi Gras parade on Mar 5
A lesbian couple, who was featured on the ABC's Play School program year with their then six-year-old daughter, has been chosen to lead this Saturday's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

As chiefs-of-parade, Vicki Harding and her partner Jackie, and their daughter Brenna will lead the parade in an open-top vehicle.

"Mardi Gras is a time of year where gay and lesbian people are able to celebrate who we are," said Vicki. "An understanding exists between people on the street. It's good fun and is an easy way to talk to straight people about our community as they're usually quite interested in the event."

"There are so many people who are unhappy, confused or not open about their sexuality. This gives them a chance to connect with an understanding community in so many ways."

Last year's Chief-of-Parade was Monica Hingston, lesbian cousin of George Pell, who challenged her cousin's stance on homosexuality in an open letter to the Melbourne Age newspaper.

The 28th annual Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will start at the corner of Liverpool and Elizabeth streets at approximately 7.45pm. It will travel up the northern side of Liverpool, turning onto the northern side of Oxford Street, then right onto Flinders Street. The parade will end at the corner of Flinders St and Moore Park Road.

The Mardi Gras web site which highlighted the organisation's freedom theme listed 80 countries which outlaw homosexuality, among them are Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, Laos, Pakistan, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Aussie superstars Tina Arena, one of Britain's top female singing exports Nicki French and Darren Hayes formerly of Brisbane band, Savage Garden, would be performing at this year's Party to be held on Saturday, Mar 5 at the Royal Hall of Industries, Hordern Pavilion, Dome, Stage 11 and surrounds at Moore Park. Tickets are priced at A$75 (concession), A$115 (members) and A$125 (full price). Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or from any Ticketek outlet.

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