Malaysia's Islamic Lawyers Want Khalwat Ban Extended To Non-Muslim Partner

Reuters yesterday reported on a controversial proposal by a group of Islamic lawyers that would extend some Islamic law strictures to non-Muslims. Malaysia's Shariah court system has jurisdiction only over Muslims-- mainly in family and personal status matters. Others are subject to civil courts. Religious police monitor Muslims' compliance with Islamic law. One offense punishable by Shariah courts is "khalwat"-- close proximity, i.e. unwed Muslim couples holding hands or cuddling. At a legal seminar this week co-sponsored by the Sharia Judiciary Department, participants decided to forward to the Attorney-General a proposal that a civil law be enacted to prohibit khalwat between a non-Muslim and a Muslim. In response, Malaysia's Bar Council issued a statement saying that the proposal would violate the constitution's protection of freedom of religion.