Kuala Lumpur, Nov 7 (IANS): Punishing transgenders for cross-dressing contravenes freedom of expression, Malaysia's court of appeal said Friday.
The panel allowed the appeal of three transgenders against a religious law banning Muslim men from wearing women's clothing, The Malaysian Star reported.
"A person's dress, attire or article of clothing are a form of expression which in our view is guaranteed under Article 10 (freedom of expression)," Justice Mohamad Yunus said who led the panel.
The panel also found that a state legislative assembly has no power to restrict freedom of speech, and that only parliament could do so within reason.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) rights are not recognised in Malaysia and are subjected to punishment.