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Vietnam made a breakthrough in protecting the rights of transgender people

26/11/15


Vietnam on Tuesday (Nov 24, 2015) passed a landmark law enshrining rights for transgender people in a move advocacy groups say paves the way for gender reassignment surgery in the nation.
With 282 out of 366 votes in favor, the National Assembly decided that those who underwent gender reassignment surgeries would not just be allowed to, but have a legal obligation to make changes to their personal records at government agencies. They also retained all rights stipulated under the country's laws.
A report from the Vietnamese Parliament said the law had hoped to “meet the demands of a part of society… in accordance with international practice, without countering the nation’s traditions.”
This is an amazing decision if we look back several years and when transgender rights remain a controversial issue throughout the world.
Under the new law, which will take effect from Jan. 1, 2017, people who underwent sex change would have “rights and obligations to register for changes in civil status” and personal rights associated with their new gender.
“This is an encouraging signal for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community in Vietnam”, said Nguyen Thanh Tam, founder of Viet Pride, one of the most popular public events displaying LGBT community solidarity.
“The change meets the expectations of people undergoing sex-reassignment surgery and helps create a unified gender identification scheme,” Tam said.
The country’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community welcomed the move, saying it offered essential new rights. “Now people accept there is a transgender community, their legitimate rights will be ensured,” said Nguyen Hai Yen from ICS, an LGBT organization that estimates there are around 270,000 transgender people in a population of 90 million.
The law is also being seen as a crucial step towards allowing gender reassignment operations.
“People will no longer have to travel abroad for transgender surgery,” said Luong The Huy, LGBT manager at Vietnam’s Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment.
Hundreds of people have gathered in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday night to celebrate a newly approved law that recognizes rights for transgender people. 
Despite the rain, people laughed, cried and hugged each other in happiness on Nguyen Hue Street, in front of the town hall. 
They shouted out: “We are transgender people" and “Thank you National Assembly." Some hold banners that read “Trans rights are human rights” and “We are writing history."
The approval of the Amended Civil Code is a humane decision that is expected to help end discrimination against transgender people, they said. The law will, for the first time, allow people who have undergone gender reassignment to register under the new gender. 
“Registering for an ID card with my true gender identity is no longer just a dream. I will no longer be embarrassed when applying for a job and other papers,” said Gia Ky, a transgender woman.
Tran Anh Vu, 23, said she always wanted to change her name to Tran An Vy but could not.
“I have fought for my true identity since I was a teenager,” she said. 
Huynh Minh Thao, communication manager of HCMC-based LGBT network ICS, said that it was a very special day for LGBT people, especially transgender people, when their rights were finally recognized.
“This is a great development. I am really happy and proud. I hope the National Assembly will introduce detailed regulations on the issue soon.”
Transgender people have faced discrimination in their family, school and society and many have to work in unstable jobs or do sex work, he said.
“With the decision today, Vietnam has untied the knots to help transgender people be recognized by the society and face no more discrimination.”
Cao Kim Chau, a 50-year-old mother of a transgender man, said she was very happy. 
“Love and understanding will win. Any parent loves their children. It is true that I want my son to be free and happy,” she said.
Tang Ai Linh, a transgender man who got married to a woman 10 years ago, said his marriage has been recognized by family, and not under the law.
“The new law is a victory of love and humanity,” Linh told.
Homosexuality still remains taboo but not illegal in Vietnam, and a series of gradual advances have seen the nation move towards more progressive views in its approach to sexuality. And now we can see this approach as an impressive move which will ensure and enhance human rights of all people no matter what gender are they./.
Chia sẻ bài viết ^^
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All comments [ 10 ]


Unknown 27/11/15 05:29

passing the transgender law has been strongly supported by the people and shows development of democracy in Vietnam

Unknown 27/11/15 05:43

transgender people expressed their happiness after the National Assembly passed the law that allows gender reassignment surgeries as well as guarantees transgenders retained all rights stipulated under the country's laws.

erica black 27/11/15 05:47

with the new law, now transgenders can enjoy their happy life without fears and anxiety

Unknown 27/11/15 05:49

that's right, I also support the law and congratulate to the transgender people

Funny Day 27/11/15 05:53

they will not have to face gender discriminations in the society like before and have rights to live as others

Anthony Jones 27/11/15 05:56

transgender people are also a part of the society which lawmakers cannot ignore

Unknown 27/11/15 05:59

the transgender law that was passed by the Vietnamese Parliament is in accordance with international practice without countering the nation’s traditions

Elizabeth Green 27/11/15 06:06

that also demonstrate the State of Vietnam has respected and seriously implemented international commitments in the intergration process

Unknown 27/11/15 06:08

passing the transgender law is an impressive move which will ensure and enhance human rights of all people no matter what gender are they

Evans David 27/11/15 06:10

We hope the new law will meet demands of transgender people and help them enjoy a better life

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