The Council of Islamic Ideology has said the numerous sections of the Transgender Act 2018 are against the provisions of sharia law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Council said that it had deliberated over the act in detail over two days and found that sections pertaining to self-perceived identity are fundamentally opposed to islamic teachings.

Section 3 of the 2018 act deals with the recognition of transgenders and says that “A transgender person shall have a right to be recognized as per his or her self-perceived gender identity.”

CII Chairman Qibla Ayaz said that the concept of having a ‘guru’ in the transgender community is just an instrument of exploitation and leads to a modern form of slavery.

The ‘guru’ is akin to a family elder in the transgender community who acts as the decision maker. Their importance as a protector and representative is increased due to the marginalised nature of the community.

Qibla Ayaz also said that the government needs to take steps to ensure that transgenders can live a life of dignity.

Amendments to transgender act, also aimed at bringing the law more in line with Islamic teachings are currently under discussion in the parliament.