Guyana court to address ongoing arrests of cross-dressers

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – A court in the South American country of Guyana has agreed to hear an appeal from gay and lesbian organizations on whether police have the right to arrest cross-dressers.

The organizations said Thursday that police are still arresting and harassing cross-dressers despite a 2013 court ruling stating it is only a crime if done for an “improper purpose” such as prostitution. The ruling was issued after transgender litigants challenged an 1893 law under which they were arrested for wearing female attire, apparently while waiting for taxis.

Justice officials say Guyana’s second-highest court will hear the case on Oct. 17 in an attempt to clarify the 2013 ruling. Activists say they’ll take the case to a regional court if they are not satisfied with the upcoming ruling.