Date:         Wed, 17 Aug 1994 10:08:29 U
From: Mills Mike <mills@aztec.al.bldrdoc.gov>

Malaysia Bans Gays, Transvestites from Television

         KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter) - Malaysia's state-run television
network has banned gays and transvestites from appearing on its
programs, the Star newspaper said.

         Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat said the action had been
taken ``in line with the national policy which focuses on the
importance of health and family values.''

         ``Any artiste who is proven to be a gay will come under the
ban. We do not want to encourage any form of homosexuality in
our society,'' Mohamed was quoted as telling reporters after
launching the Malaysian Rice Festival.

         Mohamed's ministry controls Radio and Television Malaysia,
which operates two of Malaysia's three TV channels. The other
channel is run by Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd, a publicly
listed company.