On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Parliament passed a law guaranteeing basic rights for transgender citizens.
Members of the Pakistani Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in Islamabad after a majority of Islamabad’s National Assembly voted in favour of it.
The bill criminalises discrimination against and harassment of transgenders at work, home or in public places, reported Al Jazeera.
As per the Act, gender identity is a person individual sense of self and they can choose to be recognised as a male, female or a blend of both or neither on official documents, such as passports or driver’s licenses.
“I thought that this would never be achieved in my lifetime, but I am fortunate to have seen my own parliament pass this bill,” veteran transgender activist Bindiya Rana told Al Jazeera.
The Bill also calls for the establishment of government-run protection centres for transgender citizens who feel at risk and guarantees transgender citizens their right to inheritance.
To read the original story, click here.
