For the first time, a legislation has been introduced in Pakistan’s lower house of parliament to protect the fundamental rights of transgender people in the conservative Muslim nation.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, moved by Naeema Kishwar on Tuesday, seeks to provide equal rights to transgender persons.

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, “There is a need to safeguarded rights of transgenders at par with other citizens and residents of the country”.

“The Constitution of Pakistan explicitly provides, inter alia, the fundamental rights to life of liberty (Article 9), equality of citizen, (Article 25) and inviolability of dignity, safeguard to educational institutions in respect of education, protection of property, safeguard against discrimination in service,” it says.

It further says “the transgender persons constitute one of the most marginalised and disadvantaged communities in the country. They face problems ranging from social exclusion to discrimination, lake of protection in their family, community and the society”. Read more via the Hindu