The transvestites, known as Tuais, sport the very latest in female haute couture which till now no one objected to, though the church authorities have frowned on it.
Transvestites in Mizoram, who enjoy considerable freedom in society in respect of sartorial choice, are caught in a bind after the Church opposed the Delhi High Court verdict legalising consensual gay sex.
The transvestites, known as Tuais, sport the very latest in female haute couture which till now no one objected to, though the church authorities have frowned on it.
The Presbyterian Church and some social organisations, after the high court order, have said they were in favour of bringing back a British 1909 executive order which criminalised homosexuality.
The order, issued by the superintendent of Lushai hills (now Mizoram), HWG Cole, on April 22, 1909 stipulated, "In future, all Tuais (transvestites), who are clearly of the male sex are to abandon wearing women's clothes and are to live as men and will pay revenue and do cooly (porter) works."
Following the order transvestites began to be treated as outcasts in the state, which has a strict patriarchal society and had embraced Christianity.
Executive secretary of the Presbyterian Church Synod Rev Zosangliana Colney was of the opinion that the British had issued the order in line with Christian doctrine.
He termed the scrapping of the Article 377 as close to blasphemy for almost any religion. "Legalising homosexuality is directly against Christianity and the Bible."
General secretary of the Central Committee of the Young Mizo Association, Lalbiakzuala, believed that the 1909 order was still relevant for Mizo Christians.
Advocate-turned-politician and chairman of the state Law Commission R Lalrinawma, however, said that the order was not valid as it was neither a law nor a legislation, but a mere executive order.
Senior Congressman Zokailiana Khiangte said if the church was really against them, they could be ex-communicated.
"Transvestites do not have a choice as it is an abnormal medical condition. Should we legislate against them?" he asked, stressing that freedom was the backbone of democracy.
Following the adoption of western culture coupled with mass awareness on human rights issues in the state, transvestites, have no longer been treated as pariahs. Several spas and beauty parlours have been employing them.
Maliani, the proprietoress of a beauty parlour, said the transvestites she employed were dedicated and sincere professionals. "I do not really care about their sexual orientation or their dress code."
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