Watershed for Muslim transgenders as court rules anti-crossdressing Shariah law unconstitutional
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/watershed-for-muslim-transgenders-as-court-rules-anti-crossdressing-shariahBy Zurairi AR November 7, 2014
UTRAJAYA, Nov 7 — The Court of Appeal today declared a Negri Sembilan Shariah law criminalising cross-dressing as inconsistent with the Federal Constitution, in a major victory for human rights in Malaysia.
The appellate court said the law was discriminatory as it fails to recognise men diagnosed with the Gender Identity Disorder (GID), or ->-bleeped-<-.
"We hold Section 66 of the Negri Sembilan Shariah Criminal Enactment 1992 as invalid and unconstitutional with Articles 5(1), 8(1), 8(2), 9(2) and 10(1)(a).
"The appeal is therefore allowed," said Justice Datuk Mohd Hishamuddin Mohd Yunus while delivering his judgment.
The coram, which included Justices Datuk Aziah Ali and Datuk Lim Yee Lan, was unanimous in its decision.
Section 66 outlaws any Muslim man who "wears a woman attire and poses as a woman", with the punishment of a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or jail of not more than six months or both.
