Russia bans transgender people from driving

Russia has reportedly banned transgender people from driving.

The Russian government has released a legislative document which reveals a set of “medical” guidelines for drivers which it hopes will cut down accidents on the country’s roads, reports the BBC.

The document states that those with “gender identity disorders” which include “transsexualism,” “dual-role transvestism,” sadomasochism” and “exhibitionism” are no longer able to legally apply for a Russian drivers licence.

“We have too many deaths on the road, and I believe toughening medical requirements for applicants is fully justified,” said Professional Drivers Union head Alexander Kotov.

The Human Rights Campaign Global has argued that the move is just another example of the conservative country’s “persecution” of its LGBT community.

“Restricting transgender people from obtaining drivers licenses is simply another example of the Russian government’s increased campaign of persecution and discrimination against its LGBT population.”

In June 2013, Russia passed laws banning the promotion of “non-traditional sexual relations”, and there has been an increasingly hostile atmosphere towards the country’s LGBT community ever since.

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