[Malaysian Govt endorses guide on how to spot gays]

A government-endorsed parenting guide that describes symptoms of homosexuality has kicked up a storm on the Internet, with human rights and sexuality activists expressing shock and disgust.

Sin Chew Daily today reported that the Education Ministry had endorsed the guide as helpful to parents and teachers.

It was launched during a seminar in Penang yesterday. The event, billed as “Parenting in addressing the issue of LGBTs (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders)”, was officiated by Deputy Education Minister Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

The guide listed four symptoms each for gays and lesbians:

For gays:

Muscular body and a fondness for showing off the body by wearing clothing, such as by wearing V-necks and sleeveless tops

A preference for tight and bright coloured clothes

An inclination to be attracted to men

A tendency to carry big handbags, similar to the kinds used by women

For lesbians:

Showing attraction to women

Distancing themselves from women other than their girlfriends

A preference for hanging out, sleeping and dining with women

Absence of feelings for men