Lack of measures to protect this community’s liberties, despite growing public support and many court judgments, reflects badly on Hong Kong
The freedom to use a suitable public toilet is a human right we can all relate to. Most of us know whether to use a washroom for women or “gents”. But for transgender people in Hong Kong, the issue can be deeply troubling.
Many face a dilemma when using toilets managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. They are required to choose one that corresponds to the sex stated on their identity card, often their gender at birth.
Those making the difficult transition to the opposite gender might have to use a women’s toilet when looking and dressing like a man, or vice versa. Many are so uncomfortable they don’t use public conveniences at all.
This unsatisfactory position must now change, with a High Court ruling last week declaring laws making it a criminal offence to use the “wrong” FEHD toilet unconstitutional.
