KUALA LUMPUR – Gender rights group Justice for Sisters (JFS) has condemned the recent arrest of five trans women in Ipoh, calling for an end to arrests that criminalise and dehumanise trans people.
JFS co-founder Thilaga Sulathireh said the operation, which was called Op Cegah Pondan on December 7, was “extremely disrespectful” and “dehumanising”.
It also exposed the Perak Islamic authorities’ “prejudice and poor understanding of gender identity,” she said in a statement today.
“When the state not only targets, but tries to ‘curb’ a group based on their identity, that is a serious cause for concern,” Thilaga said, while claiming that there is an “abundance of scientific evidence” that confirms trans people as normal.
“We maintain that respect and understanding of gender identity are essential for a truly inclusive and fair society.”
The raid in Ipoh saw the arrest of five trans women of Thai nationality. It was conducted by the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk), which had acted on Section 55 of the state’s Shariah Criminal Enactment, which makes it a crime for a man to act and dress like a woman in any public area for the purposes of immorality.
JFS’ statement also said the JAIPk should uphold principles of Islam in its actions, such as peace, respect, and inclusivity, and should not be harassing people.
Such actions by the religious authorities create a negative perception of Islamic practices in Malaysia while also setting the country behind neighbours like Thailand in inclusive policies.
JFS also took issue with media reportage of transgender people, saying that reports tend to bolster the state’s prejudice while encouraging violence against trans people.
“We urge the media to resist normalising the use of derogatory language against trans women, which only serves to further marginalise and demean them,” Thilaga said.
“The media (must) take decisive responsibility for dismantling discriminatory language and practices.” – December 12, 2023