New Delhi, Mar 25: Parliament has approved an amendment to the law governing the protection and rights of transgender persons, with the Rajya Sabha giving its assent after the Lok Sabha cleared the bill a day earlier.
The proposed legislation seeks to revise provisions of the existing law to bring greater clarity to definitions and introduce graded penalties based on the severity of offences committed against transgender individuals.
Replying to the debate in the Upper House, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said the amendment is aimed at ensuring legal protection for individuals facing discrimination due to biological factors, while reinforcing their recognition under the law.
He emphasised that the government remains committed to safeguarding the rights of transgender persons and integrating them into the mainstream, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of welfare boards across multiple states.
The bill was passed by voice vote, with the House rejecting Opposition demands to refer it to a select committee. Several members, however, expressed concerns over certain provisions.
Swati Maliwal raised apprehensions regarding clauses that could potentially criminalise individuals or support systems, including families and medical professionals, arguing that vague wording may create unintended fear instead of protection.
Mahua Maji also stressed the need for ensuring equal opportunities, noting that transgender persons are equally capable when provided the right platform.
The amendment aims to provide a more precise definition of the term “transgender” while excluding certain aspects related to sexual orientation and self-identified identities from the law’s scope, a move that has sparked debate among lawmakers.
Despite differing views, the government maintained that the changes would enhance administrative clarity and strengthen the legal framework for protecting transgender rights.