bangkit.net

I am writing on behalf of Women for Women’s Human Rights (WWHR) - New Ways in Istanbul, Turkey. We are terribly concerned about the news that a transsexual woman was seriously beaten by state religious officials who detained her while she was talking to friends at the Old Melaka bus station in Kota Melaka at around 11.30pm on 30 July.

We are very sad and angry to hear that these violent attacks were carried out by JAIM officers in the name of our religion, Islam. As Muslims, we condemn maltreatment of any human being and urge your administrative offices to remind JAIM that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance.

Our sources indicate that abuses and discrimination against LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people appear to be rising in Malaysia. Please take necessary actions to put an end to further discrimination, and restore Malaysia’s good name for greatly valuing multi-diversity, and for creating a peaceful and tolerant environment to cherish that diversity. As members of WWHR - New Ways we urge you:

• to conduct a full, immediate and independent investigation into allegations that Ayu was assaulted by JAIM religious affairs officers and to ensure that those found responsible for the violence against Ayu are brought to justice;
• to immediately guarantee that Ayu and other transsexuals in Melaka, will not be subjected to further abuse from JAIM officers;
• not to press any charges against Ayu which are based on her gender identity and violate her fundamental human rights to freedom of expression and freedom from non-discrimination;
• to ensure that transsexual people in hospital are able to receive visitors without harassment or discrimination and in line with regular hospital practice for all patients;
• to politically control JAIM, and put an end to unethical and inhumane procedures such as ordering the hospital to report other transsexuals visiting Ayu;
• we also urge you to reform all laws, regulations and policies which discriminate against transsexual people in violation of their human rights.

Please do not let corrupt procedures and officers to cast shadow on our religion, and to bring shame on all of us, Muslim people. In the name of Allah, we ask you to stop these human right abuses right away.

WWHR - New Ways, Istanbul, TURKEY