Transgenders have a right to practise religion - minister

Transgenders, especially Muslims, have a right to practise religion, said de facto religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad.

In a Facebook post last night, he said religious agencies under him are prepared to give full assistance to fulfil the Muslim transgender community's rights "in understanding Islam, and together migrating to a better direction”.

"They have a right to have a religious life and they have a right to receive guidance from the government especially the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) in practising a religious way of life," he added.

Zulkifli's posting was made after attending a workshop for transgenders in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Previously, the minister had courted backlash after he gave a “full licence” to the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) to take action against the transgender community.

He had said it is not just about arrests, but also to provide religious education so that the transgender community will “return to the right path”.

In his posting yesterday, Zulkifli said his previous statement had stressed that transgenders must abide by the country's laws, while Muslims must practise religion as best they can.

He also said that he shared with the audience yesterday the true meaning of happiness and piety to God.

He also gave some contributions to those in attendance, including for the adopted children of some of the transgenders present during the workshop.

Zulkifli said Jakim and other religious agencies under him were planning a programme where transgenders can have a dialogue with him and experts to find solutions to issues affecting the Muslim transgender community. - Mkini