Transgenders demand right to vote

Bangalore, Apr 16 (UNI) The Karnataka Sex Workers Union today demanded the Election Commission to include the names of ''hijras'' (Transgenders) in the voter list in view of the assembly elections next month.

Human Rights activist Elavarthy Manohar told reporters here that his organisation, along with others, has been spearheading the campaign to include sexual minorities in the electoral rolls. But they have been denied the right to vote by the Election Commission (EC) on the pretext of address proof.

''Whatever be the intention of the officials, it indicates the systematic denial of citizenship for the marginalised people - sexual minorities, particularly - Transgenders and women sex workers,'' he alleged, adding this was not universal but limited to a few parts of the city and surrounding areas.

They also demanded the EC to take action agaisnt the officials concerned in this regard.

UNI SIV VV AKJ KN1647