Group raises RM30k for transgenders held in raid
Published: Jun 13, 2014 1:21 AM | Updated: Jun 13, 2014 10:21 AM
The case involving transgenders arrested at a wedding last Sunday has inspired an outpouring of funds and goodwill from the public, says advocate group I Am You: Be a Trans Ally.
The case involving transgenders arrested at a wedding last Sunday has inspired an outpouring of funds and goodwill from the public, says advocate group I Am You: Be a Trans Ally.
According to the group, RM29,916.09 has been raised to fund the legal fees in the last 48 hours.
“We are amazed by the amount of work that each and every one of you have put it by tweeting, retweeting, sharing, liking, forwarding emails, posting comments, writing articles and more. Excellent work everyone!" it said in a Facebook posting.
The funds were collectively raised with NGO Justice for Sisters for the women who were sentenced to fines by the Syariah Court for cross-dressing, which is against syariah law.
The funds will be used to settle the fines and legal fees.
RM3,000 will go to the lawyers while RM2,859 will cover the pending fine of three of the 16 nabbed.
The group said the rest of the unused money will be returned to donors, if requested.
Guilty of crimes of attire
The women, all first-time offenders, were fined RM950 and jailed seven days each. If they do not settle their fines within a week, their jail time will be pushed up to six months.
“We are happy to return donations (full or partial) if you would like to reconsider your donations.
"The economy is bad, inflation is high, and we understand that solidarity is not all about money.
"You will not be less of an ally if you decide to reconsider your donation.” the group said.
They also conveyed a message of gratitude from the women, whom they met in court on Wednesday.
“They informed us to convey their love and gratitude to all of you for your wonderful support.
"We showed them the news articles and messages of support and solidarity on social media sites when we met them yesterday at the Syariah Court.”
The Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS) arrested the women during a raid at a wedding in Bahau, Negri Sembilan.
The women, most of whom are make-up artists, were guests at a "joget lambak" session - a traditional Malay dance party - after the wedding.
The 16 are released
In a related development, the 16 transgenders were released today, after serving their seven days in jail, including remission, at the Sungai Udang Prison in Malacca, The Star Online reported.
This was confirmed by a volunteer of transgender rights group, Justice for Sisters (JFS) to the daily, who also said they were unfairly treated.
The 16 were jailed and fined for violating Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment 1992, which specifies any male person who dresses as women has committed an offence.
Besides this case, three other transgenders are seeking a declaration that Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negri Sembilan) Enactment is unconstitutional, at the Court of Appeal, on which submissions will continue in July.
According to the group, RM29,916.09 has been raised to fund the legal fees in the last 48 hours.
“We are amazed by the amount of work that each and every one of you have put it by tweeting, retweeting, sharing, liking, forwarding emails, posting comments, writing articles and more. Excellent work everyone!" it said in a Facebook posting.
The funds were collectively raised with NGO Justice for Sisters for the women who were sentenced to fines by the Syariah Court for cross-dressing, which is against syariah law.
The funds will be used to settle the fines and legal fees.
RM3,000 will go to the lawyers while RM2,859 will cover the pending fine of three of the 16 nabbed.
The group said the rest of the unused money will be returned to donors, if requested.
Guilty of crimes of attire
The women, all first-time offenders, were fined RM950 and jailed seven days each. If they do not settle their fines within a week, their jail time will be pushed up to six months.
“We are happy to return donations (full or partial) if you would like to reconsider your donations.
"The economy is bad, inflation is high, and we understand that solidarity is not all about money.
"You will not be less of an ally if you decide to reconsider your donation.” the group said.
They also conveyed a message of gratitude from the women, whom they met in court on Wednesday.
“They informed us to convey their love and gratitude to all of you for your wonderful support.
"We showed them the news articles and messages of support and solidarity on social media sites when we met them yesterday at the Syariah Court.”
The Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS) arrested the women during a raid at a wedding in Bahau, Negri Sembilan.
The women, most of whom are make-up artists, were guests at a "joget lambak" session - a traditional Malay dance party - after the wedding.
The 16 are released
In a related development, the 16 transgenders were released today, after serving their seven days in jail, including remission, at the Sungai Udang Prison in Malacca, The Star Online reported.
This was confirmed by a volunteer of transgender rights group, Justice for Sisters (JFS) to the daily, who also said they were unfairly treated.
The 16 were jailed and fined for violating Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment 1992, which specifies any male person who dresses as women has committed an offence.
Besides this case, three other transgenders are seeking a declaration that Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negri Sembilan) Enactment is unconstitutional, at the Court of Appeal, on which submissions will continue in July.
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