The Lok Sabha passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Tuesday after a heated three-hour debate led by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar, who hailed it as essential for protecting transgender individuals facing “biological exclusion” through a scientific, biology-based definition. The bill scraps the 2019 Act’s inclusive self-perceived gender identity, covering trans men, women, intersex, and genderqueer persons, in favor of criteria tied to variations in genitalia, chromosomes, gonads, or hormones.
Opposition MPs, including Congress’s S Jothimani, NCP’s Supriya Sule, and SP’s Anand Bhadauriya, staged walkouts, branding it “unconstitutional regression” that erects bureaucratic hurdles via medical boards and district magistrates for identity certificates. “This shifts from rights to permission,” Jothimani charged, questioning its timing amid war and LPG shortages.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Supporters like BJP’s Pratap Chandra Sarangi argued the biological focus weeds out “fakes” exploiting benefits. The bill toughens penalties for mutilation, kidnapping, and exploitation (5 years to life) but retains two-year maximums for sexual offenses.
Nationwide protests erupted, with 88+ trans organizations, 40,000 signatories, and 20,000 emails urging rejection. Activists Grace Banu, Aanandh C Rajappan, and A Revathi demanded a standing committee review during a Delhi press conference, while a Congress delegation met Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.
A Supreme Court advisory committee under ex-Delhi HC judge Justice Asha Menon resolved to withdraw the bill, citing violation of the 2014 NALSA judgment’s self-ID protections. As it heads to Rajya Sabha, the measure exposes deep rifts over trans rights.
(This story has been published from a syndicated feed)
