The transgender community is a highly vulnerable group in many parts of the world, since most countries don’t have laws or policies in place to ensure their protection and fair treatment. They are often targets of horrific hate crimes and discrimination, too.
The brutal murder of Shameera Krishnan earlier this year is evidence that we still have a long way to go when it comes to the protection of this community.
Source: The Star
Now, it looks like there might be some change after what happened in Penang!
Earlier today (10th November), a group of lawmakers from Penang made a bold decision after submitting an official letter to the State Constitutional Committee for recommendations from a symposium on transgender rights to become an official letter at the state legislative assembly.
“We debated about this in the state assembly and the House told us to submit a letter to the constitutional committee,” state transgender committee chairman Teh Yee Cheu told reporters, according to the Malay Mail.
Source: Malay Mail
The findings from this symposium will hopefully be accepted by the state legislature so that they can be used for future reference. They include findings on issues related to transgender people’s rights, such as;
- Access to medical facilities
- Gender-neutral public toilets
- Issues with enforcement officers
Penang transgender committee treasurer, Cheah Kah Peng, said that the findings were important because they involve basic human rights, telling the daily,
“Penang can also lead in this by recognising the rights of the transgender community.”
Well, hopefully something positive will come out of this!
What do you think of this move? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Malaysian Transgender Woman Brutally Murdered, Media Calls Her ‘Mak Nyah’ And ‘Pondan’
