The anti-cross dressing provision in
Syariah enactments is to "curb the spread of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender practices", says the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
"(Such practices) is clearly against Islamic teachings,” Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said.
"However, I would like to stress that the (anti-cross dressing) enactments is only for Muslims and does not apply to adherents of other religion."
Othman
was commenting on the Court of Appeal judgement which last week found a
Negri Sembilan syariah enactment banning cross-dressing
unconstitutional.
In a statement late today, he noted that Jakim takes a softer approach towards the issue of transgenders by voluntary "self-esteem building, rehabilitation and spirtual" camps.
He said the programmes are held with state Islamic affairs departments since 2010 for those experiencing "confusion" like the transgender community.
Break the stigma
As a result, he said, there is greater awareness of HIV/Aids among the target group and less "stigma" towards the transgender among the religious authorities and vice versa.
"What is important is that the leave these deviant activities and also help Jakim in continuing our spiritual rehabilitation work with those who share their same fate…
"I truly hope that the three applicants named in the case in question can contact us and volunteer for our programme,” he said.
On Nov 7, the Court of Appeal had found in favour of transgender make up artists Muhamad Juzaili Mohamad Khamis, 26, Syukor Jani, 28, dan Wan Fairol Wan Ismail, 30, application to declare Secction 66 of the Negeri Sembilan Syariah Enactment 1992 unconstitutional.
The government has urged the religious authority to appeal the decision, while the PAS ulama wing said the decision puts in doubt Islam’s position in the country.
The Muslim Lawyers Association said anti-cross dressing laws are not discriminatory, while the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim)'s legal bureau raised concerns that the ruling could lead to similar applications that undermine Islam.
"(Such practices) is clearly against Islamic teachings,” Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha said.
"However, I would like to stress that the (anti-cross dressing) enactments is only for Muslims and does not apply to adherents of other religion."
Othman
was commenting on the Court of Appeal judgement which last week found a
Negri Sembilan syariah enactment banning cross-dressing
unconstitutional.In a statement late today, he noted that Jakim takes a softer approach towards the issue of transgenders by voluntary "self-esteem building, rehabilitation and spirtual" camps.
He said the programmes are held with state Islamic affairs departments since 2010 for those experiencing "confusion" like the transgender community.
Break the stigma
As a result, he said, there is greater awareness of HIV/Aids among the target group and less "stigma" towards the transgender among the religious authorities and vice versa.
"What is important is that the leave these deviant activities and also help Jakim in continuing our spiritual rehabilitation work with those who share their same fate…
"I truly hope that the three applicants named in the case in question can contact us and volunteer for our programme,” he said.
On Nov 7, the Court of Appeal had found in favour of transgender make up artists Muhamad Juzaili Mohamad Khamis, 26, Syukor Jani, 28, dan Wan Fairol Wan Ismail, 30, application to declare Secction 66 of the Negeri Sembilan Syariah Enactment 1992 unconstitutional.
The government has urged the religious authority to appeal the decision, while the PAS ulama wing said the decision puts in doubt Islam’s position in the country.
The Muslim Lawyers Association said anti-cross dressing laws are not discriminatory, while the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim)'s legal bureau raised concerns that the ruling could lead to similar applications that undermine Islam.
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