Indonesian Mullahs Says Sex Change is Haram

[Shana A]

Indonesian Mullahs Says Sex Change is Haram

http://thejakartaglobe.com/news/indonesian-mullahs-says-sex-change-is-haram/349319

Nadia, who went by the name Agus before having gender reassignment surgery, filed a court petition and won her fight for legal recognition as a woman. But now Nadia, and other women like her, has another battle on her hands with the religious establishment.

The Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) has publicly raised concerns over the verdict issued by Central Java's Batang District Court in Nadia's case.

MUI chairman Amidhan said on Friday that gender reassignment surgery was considered haram , or forbidden, by Islam.

"I am a bit afraid and worried that this might become a trend. A lot of people will end up resorting to the same option," Amidhan told the Jakarta Globe.

[Allamakee]

A news article from earlier this year, concerning a different Indonesian Council of Ulema ruling, says that their rulings are not legally binding but do have cultural influence.


Indonesian ulema tell Muslims to vote or go to hell
Reuters FaithWorld
by Reuters
February 16, 2009

The fatwa from the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) is not legally binding. But it does carry weight in the world's most populous Muslim country, where Islamic conservatism has been growing since the fall of the country's former autocratic president, Suharto, moe than a decade ago. Suharto kept a lid on politicised Islam with the same ruthless approach he took to eradicating leftist influences after coming to power following a 1965 coup blamed on communists.

The MUI has evolved from being a pliant arm of Suharto's regime to becoming an independent body that aims to influence public policy.

http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2009/02/16/indonesian-ulema-tell-muslims-to-vote-or-go-to-hell/