Punitive action recommended against cops harassing transgenders

Chennai, Dec 27 (UNI) The Jury, constituted to go into the problems being faced by transgenders, today said it is high time the Government took punitive action against the police officials, who harass and sexually abuse them.

The Jury, constituted by the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women (TNSCW) and Tamil Nadu AIDS Solidarity Action (TASA), had learnt that transgenders face harassment, abuse and violence at the hands of police, following a public hearing, in which over 300 transgenders presented their grievances, TNSCW Chairperson K M Ramathal told the media here.

The Jury would recommend to the Government that the complaints of transgenders and cases against them should be handled only by women police officials in All Women Police Stations, she said.

Ms Ramathal said the Jury would recommend to the Government to ensure that transgenders enjoy fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The Jury would also recommend that transgenders be brought under the purview of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Eve-Teasing Act and the Censor Board be sensitive to violation of their rights both in print and electronic media.

TNSCW member Qudsia Gandhi said a key recommendation of the Jury was to immediately recognise their right to housing and land.

She said the Jury would present the recommendations and observations to the Government soon and it was up to the Government to take necessary action.

Human Rights Research and Advocacy Foundation Director Ossie Fernandez said transgenders faced stigma, discrimination and violence and the Jury would urge the Government to ensure that they were not terminated from their jobs due to their transgender identity.

UNI