EDITORIAL:

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has deemed the Transgender Persons Rules, which extend the Transgender Act, as incompatible with Sharia and unIslamic. This move has once again highlighted the political nature of the review process, with right-wing political parties and other agents quick to malign and condemn the act since it was passed in 2018.

The critique of the act by the CII, which took place over a two-day meeting, has been framed as a matter of religious sensitivity, but this misses the point of the act, which is to provide legal security and inclusion for transgender people. Instead, the debate has focused on the right granted for a “self-perceived identity” for individuals and the registration of transgender individuals as “X”. However, the definition of transgender has been misconstrued as promoting social evils in society, and the use of religious sentiment to derail the inclusion of marginalized groups is a worrying trend.

The problem with such debates and scrutiny is that they often lack a comprehensive solution for the definition of transgender and instead become circular arguments. This not only hinders progress but also perpetuates discrimination and violence against transgender people who are already facing significant challenges in accessing basic rights and services.

It is crucial to remember that the Transgender Persons Act was passed to address the issues and challenges faced by transgender individuals in Pakistan, including discrimination, harassment, and violence. The act provides a framework for recognizing and protecting the rights of transgender people and facilitating their access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services. By rejecting the act, the CII is disregarding the needs and struggles of a marginalized community and denying them their basic rights.

The controversy surrounding the Transgender Persons Act and its rules has been an ongoing issue, with the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) now weighing in and declaring it unIslamic. This decision has sparked further debate and brought to light the disconnect between policy and protection for transgender citizens.

Despite the passing of the Trans Protection Act, discrimination and violence against transgender individuals continue to persist in Pakistan. The issue is not simply a matter of law, as there is a significant gap between policy and effective protection for the transgender community.

The underreporting of transgender individuals in the 2017 national census, for instance, highlights the broader societal discrimination and stigma that continue to limit the recognition and inclusion of this marginalized group. Furthermore, transgender activists have faced numerous attacks and threats over the years, indicating a lack of meaningful progress towards true equity and inclusivity.

While Pakistan has been commended for recognizing the self-perceived gender identity of transgender individuals, there is still much to be done to ensure their full protection and participation in society. The CII’s decision to declare the Transgender Persons Act unIslamic serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing transgender individuals in Pakistan and the urgent need for policy action to address these issues.

At the heart of the debate is the right of individuals to self-perceived identity. The Transgender Persons Act allows individuals to register their gender as “X,” but this provision has been widely misunderstood and mischaracterized as promoting social evils. Such misinformation and fearmongering only serve to further marginalize and harm the transgender community, highlighting the need for greater public education and awareness around transgender issues.

Moreover, the religious and cultural sensitivity surrounding the issue has been exploited by some to justify discrimination and violence against transgender individuals. This reflects a broader challenge of addressing deeply ingrained societal prejudices and stereotypes that limit the recognition and inclusion of transgender individuals in Pakistan.

To address these challenges, policymakers must prioritize the protection and inclusion of transgender individuals in all aspects of society. This requires not only legal reform, but also efforts to promote public awareness and education, support for transgender organizations and advocates, and active measures to combat discrimination and violence.

In addition, the definition of transgender itself remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates around the inclusion of non-binary individuals and other gender identities beyond the binary of male and female. Policymakers must take a more nuanced and inclusive approach to gender and identity, recognizing the diverse experiences and needs of transgender individuals and promoting their full participation in society.

Ultimately, the fight for transgender rights and inclusion is a fight for human rights and dignity. As Pakistan continues to navigate the complexities of its religious and cultural landscape, it must not forget its obligation to protect and promote the rights of all its citizens, regardless of gender identity or expression.

In conclusion, the decision by the Council of Islamic Ideology to declare the Transgender Persons Act unIslamic highlights the ongoing challenges facing transgender individuals in Pakistan. While legal reforms are a crucial step towards protection and inclusion, broader societal attitudes and prejudices must also be addressed to ensure meaningful progress towards equity and justice for all. By promoting public awareness, supporting advocacy efforts, and taking active measures to combat discrimination and violence, policymakers can help create a more inclusive and just society for transgender individuals and all citizens of Pakistan.

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