Parliament Passes Transgender Rights Amendment Bill
New Delhi: Parliament on Wednesday passed a bill to amend a law on the protection and rights of transgender people; This bill proposes to exclude social orientations from the purview of the law and Rajya Sabha has also given its nod.
The bill, which aims to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2019, also provides for graduated punishment depending on the severity of harm caused to such people. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Responding to the debate on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Upper House, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said that the proposed law is an effort to bring together all sections of society.
He said the bill aims to provide protection only to those who face discrimination due to biological issues. The minister argued that the change would ensure that transgender people continue to be legally recognized and protected.
Stating that the Modi government is determined to protect all people suffering due to biological reasons, Modi added that the rights of these people will be protected.
The Minister stated that such people should be included in the mainstream so that they do not suffer from demoralization.
Underlining the steps taken by the government for the welfare of the society, the minister said that trans welfare boards have been established in more than 30 states. This bill will bring administrative clarity and protect the rights of transgender people.
The bill was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha after rejecting the amendments proposed by the Opposition. The Parliament did not approve the Opposition’s demands that the bill be sent to the select committee.
The bill aims to provide a precise definition of the term “transgender” and exclude “different sexual orientations and self-perceived sexual identities” from the scope of the proposed law. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha earlier this month.
AAP MP Swati Maliwal stated that gender inequality against transgender people needs to be corrected urgently.
He stated that the tempting provision in the bill, which criminalizes presenting someone as transgender, is vague and risky.
It’s risky because it could target families, doctors, and the transgender community’s support system.
“Instead of protection, we can directly create fear. Today, we must stand up with those who have been pushed to the margins for centuries. We must send this bill to the select committee and hold wider consultations, because dignity delayed means dignity denied,” he said.
JMM MP Mahua Maji said these people do not have equal rights.
He emphasized that if they get the opportunity, they will be no less talented than anyone else. Amar Pal Maurya (BJP) also participated in the discussion on the bill.
