Denying transgender people entry to place of worship 'unconstitutional'
The exclusion of transgenders from entering mosques is a violation of the constitutional right to personal liberties, said PSM Youth.
The party wing's head of gender bureau, Ahmad Yasin, cited recent statements issued by several state muftis as well as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Ahmad Marzuk Shaary.
"PSM Youth holds the stance that the transgender community should be allowed to practise their faith in places of worship...
The exclusion of transgenders from entering mosques is a violation of the constitutional right to personal liberties, said PSM Youth.
The party wing's head of gender bureau, Ahmad Yasin, cited recent statements issued by several state muftis as well as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Ahmad Marzuk Shaary.
"PSM Youth holds the stance that the transgender community should be allowed to practise their faith in places of worship, particularly in mosques," Ahmad said in a statement today.
He pointed out that the constitutional rights and freedom of the transgender community include Article 5 on personal liberty, Article 8 on equality before the law, Article 9 on freedom of movement, Article 10 on freedom of expression and Article 11 on religious freedom.
"A transgender person should have the freedom to enter a mosque as the gender they identify and they should also have the freedom to practise their faith regardless of the gender identity and expression they manifest.
"Religious authorities must respect the Federal Constitution," he said.
Ahmad also stressed PSM Youth's stance in solidarity with the transgender community, saying that no person has the right to invalidate their spiritual experience.
Imposing a ban
The recent series of exposé on cosmetic entrepreneur Nur Sajat's escape to Bangkok and subsequent arrest by Thai authorities had triggered a fresh wave of backlash against the transgender community in Malaysia.
Among others, several state muftis had stated people who are transgender are advised to change their appearance at places of worship so that they can fit in with the congregation.
Commenting on the move by authorities who are looking into possibly banning transgender people from entering mosques in federal territories, Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor previously said he is sympathetic towards the group but urged them to also make an effort to adapt to the culture and norms of the local community.
Marzuk had said the government was looking into imposing a ban on transgender people from entering mosques in the federal territories.
Perlis is, so far, the only state to implement such a ban.
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.