The Guideline for police officers to protect transgender persons
Introduction
All Human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Human beings of all sexual
orientations and gender identities are entitled to the full enjoyment of all human beings.1
The 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka also recognizes that all are equal before the law and have
equal protection of the law. There is a particular group of people who are marginalized, and
among them, transgender is one group. Transgender is an umbrella term used to include a
diverse group of persons who are not comfortable with their gender identity culturally
assigned to them at birth. Therefore, a male person is willing to change his biological sex to a
female (male to female – MTF), and in the same way, a female person is willing to change her
biological sex to a male (Female to Male – FTM) with a long and a stringent process, could be
defined as transition process.
International medical organizations and professionals proved that this is not a medical
disorder. These marginalized groups have been living among us since the beginning of human
origin. Due to various social factors, they hide their identity and continue to live with
numerous sacrifices.
Some transgender persons complain due to their questionable identity and mental unrest.
Further, they face social stigma, sexual harassment, discriminatory treatment in recruitment
and being thrown out of the family etc.
This has caused the transgender comments to undergo psychological stress and suicidal
thoughts, which result in suicidal attempts. Therefore, all should recognize their gender
identity; ensure non-discrimination, personal security and the right to privacy of transgender
persons.
The transgender community expressly state that law enforcement officials are one group to
make aware of their issues. As police officers and as Law enforcement officers, they have a
responsibility to ensure transgender persons’ identity, non-discrimination, personal security
1
Principle 1 of the Yogyakarta Principles
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka
Page 1