Hong Kong Pop Star Denied Visa Into Malaysia

A Hong Kong pop star who was due to perform in Malaysia says she was denied a permit into the country over her involvement in gay rights.

Denise Ho, an open lesbian and outspoken advocate of LGBTI issues, had been booked to perform in Kuala Lumpur in April.

The Malaysian government has not confirm why Ho's permit was declined, but has told media that performances have to comply with "local values".

Homosexual activity is illegal in Malaysia under both secular and religious law.

Nearly a quarter of Malaysia's population is ethnically Chinese, and Cantonese pop culture is consumed widely there.

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