- Trans activists express happiness but say more support needed for implementation of legislation
LAHORE: Pakistan has recently ushered into the 21st century with the passage of the recent legislation assuring rights for the transgender citizens of the country. This not only marks a historical day for the transgender community In Pakistan, but it also makes Pakistan one of the few countries to pass this hallmark bill.
The National Assembly passed the revolutionary Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2018 earlier this week, which came as a celebration as there was progress in the recent fight to end discrimination and feel inclusive within the society.
For a community which has been oppressed and marginalised for over decades, the proposed law is seen a ray of light; giving them the opportunity to be recognised as they perceive themselves and provide them with the basic rights to employment, property, inheritance, etc.
Moreover, the bill also takes a stand against discrimination and harassment in the workplace, at their homes or any public area.
The bill was put forward by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmaker Naveed Qamar in the National Assembly and was supported by majority Senators alongside. As of now, the bill only awaits the president’s signature to become law.
Initially, the bill faced objections from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Naeema Kishwer for containing clauses that she claimed were “un-Islamic”. However, the claims were negated by the members of civil society and legislators working on the bill.
With the arguments presented by the aforementioned, the Senate and the CII were convinced that the bill is fully compatible with the principles of Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan.
Having said that, the Pakistani legislation as always been considered ‘progressive; when it came to protecting the rights of the Transgender community in Pakistan, however, it was never really incorporated as a ‘law’ nor was it implemented in any way to protect the rights of the community.
‘HUGE DAY FOR US’:
While talking to Pakistan Today model and activist Kami Sid said, “The bill being passed is a huge day for us and the entire community is extremely happy about it.”
“However, the main thing is the implementation of the act is a mission on its own. Although, the Trans- people from the community who face harassment and discrimination on a daily issue will have a proper official way to counter that,” she added.
Pakistan Today also got in touch with Pakistan’s first transgender news anchor Marvia Malik to speak on the matter, she said, “It’s a sign of victory for all the Trans community as we have mentioned all the mandatory rights, just like any other citizen in the country.”
She further stated that one of the most important points raised in the bill is that of “being able to tell people who we are, with the self-perceived” identification idea.
The activist was pleased to see the support that the passing of the bill has received from citizens to activists, parliamentarians and even the community itself.
With this bill being passed, there are now hopes that it will be implemented as a law and the Trans citizens will be able to obtain a driver’s license and passport like any other citizen of the country. Among other key requirements of the bill, it also states that ‘anyone found guilty of forcing a transgender person to beg will be sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of Rs 50,000’.
“We will make sure the implementation is done right this time,” Kami Sid said.
“We have involved almost all the organisations working on Trans-people along with feminists and the community to work on the implementation,” she further said.
Similarly, the news anchor stated, “In terms of the implementation, we need to support and sensitise the people about our community through training and awareness sessions. Moreover, the state should take the responsibility of doing so.”
“It’s a moment of celebration for us and we couldn’t be happier.”
Furthermore, the activist stated that following the passage of the bill, the organisations should be keen on hiring trans-people solely on merit basis. “For the nation to progress together and end the discrimination against the entire community, I would encourage organisations to hire more transgenders.”
Currently, in Pakistan, there is no specific data about the exact number of transgender persons in the country, and as a nation, they are set on making history in the country.
