The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community's request for equal rights could be the prelude for demands to recognise same-sex marriages in the future, said Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad.

"It's true that today they are not asking for same-sex marriages, but what of the future? Same-sex marriages in other countries began as a struggle to allegedly get equal rights for LGBTs," she added.

She was responding to social activist Marina Mahathir who this week said the LGBT community was only seeking equal rights as provided by the law, and not additional rights such as same-sex marriage.

Noraini said Wanita Umno is of the opinion that all Malaysians, including the LGBT community, have never been denied their basic rights to live their daily lives.

According to her, Wanita Umno is also against insults and discrimination of LGBT who are "trying to get help to solve their confused feelings" either spiritually or medically.

"(However), to allow the LGBT group to practice same-sex relationships openly is an excessive right to ask for in an Islamic country like Malaysia," she added in a statement.

Noraini urged the government to take the necessary steps to prevent a campaign allowing LGBT's to practice their lifestyle freely in the country.

Previously, de facto religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa said while LGBTs should not be discriminated against, they should not challenge the country's value system.