The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill was approved by Parliament on Wednesday, with the Rajya Sabha passing it by voice vote. The amendment introduces changes to provisions related to the rights of transgender persons and their identity.
Parliament of India approved the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, which seeks to amend the law concerning the transgender community. After being passed by the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha also passed the bill on Wednesday by voice vote, completing its passage through both Houses of Parliament. The government stated that the measure aims to bring administrative clarity and protect the rights of transgender persons, while some opposition members expressed concerns over certain provisions.
Bill passed in Rajya Sabha after discussion
During the discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said the amendment is a step towards including all sections of society. He stated that the objective of the bill is to provide legal protection to individuals who face discrimination due to biological reasons.
The minister said that transgender persons will continue to receive legal recognition and protection after the amendment. He added that the government’s objective is to integrate such individuals into the mainstream so that they do not face social isolation. According to the government, institutional arrangements have been established in several states for the welfare of the transgender community, and transgender welfare boards have been constituted in more than 30 states.
Provisions introduced in the amendment
The amended bill clarifies the definition of the term “transgender.” It provides that different sexual orientations such as gay, lesbian, or bisexual identities will be kept outside the scope of this law. The government stated that the amendment is intended to remove administrative confusion and reduce practical difficulties in implementing the law.
The bill was earlier passed in the Lok Sabha and subsequently introduced in the Rajya Sabha for discussion. Opposition members proposed that it be referred to a select committee, but the House did not accept the proposal and passed the bill by voice vote.
Opposition raises concerns
During the discussion in the Rajya Sabha, several opposition members expressed concerns regarding certain provisions of the bill. Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal said that addressing discrimination against the transgender community is necessary, but some provisions in the bill are unclear. She specifically questioned the provision that makes it an offence to induce a person to become transgender, stating that such a clause could place family members, doctors, or social workers at legal risk.
She suggested that the bill should be referred to a select committee for wider consultation. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji also said that transgender persons are still not receiving equal opportunities and that the government should take more concrete steps for their welfare.
