A bill that would provide better protection for transsexuals in Iran has been sent to researchers in parliament, the ISNA news agency quoted an official as saying on Tuesday.

Under afatwa orreligious decree by the Islamic republic'sfounder AyatollahRuhollah Khomeini, Iranrecognisestranssexuality.

Sex change operations are common, with part of the fees paid by the authorities.

"To better protect transsexuals, a draft bill on all aspects, judicial and religious, has been prepared and sent toparliament's research centre, which is examining it," said Farid Habibollah Masoudi, deputy head of the social affairs assistance department.

"Since 2002, 1,800 people have applied to our service," he said, including 330 in the Iranian year that ended in March.

In Iran, once a person'stranssexualityhas been confirmed by psychiatrists, the person in question is referred to the justice and forensic science departments.

"To prevent any problems because of their appearance, they are given a letter confirming theirtranssexualityso the policedo not takeaction against them," the official added.

Despite being very traditional, Iranian society acceptstranssexuality. However, homosexuality is outlawed, with the death sentence handed down toreoffenders.