MALAYSIA — Malaysia’s highest court today (Oct 8) dismissed a challenge to a ban on cross-dressing, dealing a major setback to the battle for the rights of the country’s transgender community, as Islamic conservatism grows in the South-east Asian country. Muslim-majority Malaysia’s image as a promoter of moderate Islam has eroded in recent years as authorities and political figures push for stricter measures, with cases challenging religious law in civil courts being quashed. “After today, we are concerned over the safety and security of the transgender community,” said Ms Thilaga Sulathireh, an activist representing the transgender appellants.(todayonline)…[+]