Chiangmai – A group of Chiangmai residents, including members of the Sexual Identity Network and the Chiangmai Araya Group, are to seek a court injunction against a ban on transgendered people taking part in the city’s annual flower festival.

“This completely discriminates against transgender people and violates Article 30(2) of the Constitution, which states that people cannot be discriminated against by race, language, age, disability, health, economic or social status, religion, education, political perspective, or gender,” Natee Teerarojjanaphongs, who leads the Chiang Mai Araya Group,  said.

Under a directive signed by Chiang Mai deputy governor Chuchart Keerapang on November 20,  any man or woman who will sit on a flower-festooned car that joins the competition should wear polite dress. Clothing that shows transexuality is prohibited.

“We want gay rights and transgender rights to be protected by law. Our rights should be respected,” he said.

“This completely discriminates against transgender people and violates Article 30(2) of the Constitution, which states that people cannot be discriminated against by race, language, age, disability, health, economic or social status, religion, education, political perspective, or gender,” Natee Teerarojjanaphongs, who leads the Chiang Mai Araya Group, said yesterday.

Under a directive signed by Chiang Mai deputy governor Chuchart Keerapang on November 20, any man or woman who will sit on a flower-festooned car that joins the competition should wear polite dress. Clothing that shows transexuality is prohibited.

“We want gay rights and transgender rights to be protected by law. Our rights should be respected,” he said.