Transgender club bans anger groups

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday accepted a petition submitted by a network of LGBT rights advocacy groups about the growing number of nightclubs in major cities which ban transsexuals from entering their premises.

The petition was received by NHRC commissioner, Ariwan Chatuthong.

Activist Sirisak Chaiyathet, 36, said the entry bans — which have been reported in several cities, including Chiang Mai and Pattaya — constituted a violation of their human rights.

Mr Sirisak said the network is also looking to lodge a separate complaint against the Thai Red Cross Society, which has been accused of barring LGBT people from donating blood.

On March 2 last year, a government committee on gender equality, along with 24 public and private organisations, announced their intention to ensure gender equality in six areas.

Among the organisations and companies acknowledging the joint intention were the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Siam Cement Group, PTT Plc, Exim Bank of Thailand, Chiang Mai University and Thammasat University.

They agreed that people should be allowed to dress in accordance with their desired gender; that public spaces be made to serve people of all sexual orientations; that gender should not be used as a condition for employment; that verbal and non-verbal language be used without gender prejudice; that people of all genders be given fair consideration for promotions, and that sexual harassment against persons of any gender must be prevented.