US Edition'Hurried, Short-Sighted Decision': Why Has the Transgender Amendment Bill Sparked a Massive Row
The bill mandates medical certification for transgender recognition, removes self-identification rights, and increases penalties up to 14 years for offences, amid criticism of exclusion and lack of consultation.
- On Wednesday, Parliament passed the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved it following the Lok Sabha's passage on Tuesday, with the legislation now awaiting presidential assent.
- The legislation amends the 2019 Act by narrowing the definition of 'transgender person' and replacing self-identification with mandatory medical board certification, while increasing maximum penalties for forced exploitation to 14 years.
- Citing insufficient consultation, National Council for Transgender Persons members Kalki Subramaniam and Rituparna Neog resigned in protest, arguing the bill undermines self-determination rights and excludes diverse identities from protection.
- Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar defended the amendment as providing 'administrative clarity,' asserting it protects individuals facing discrimination due to biological factors while rejecting Opposition calls for select committee review.
- Activists note the bill remains silent on civil and marriage rights for diverse identities, fails to address specific intersex needs, and lacks an intersectional lens, leaving critics to label the policy a 'step backward.
24 Articles
24 Articles
India’s Transgender Rights Bill a Huge Setback
Click to expand Image A protest against the transgender rights bill passed in Parliament, in Mumbai, India, March 25, 2026. © 2026 AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool India’s parliament passed a bill this week that changes how transgender people are legally recognized and removes their right to self-identification. If the bill becomes law, it will be a major reversal of the hard-won rights of transgender people in India.“These politicians are making laws for…
In India, a legislative amendment has been passed that makes it more difficult for transgender and non-binary people to be officially recognized by the state. The Indian parliament rapidly expressed its approval of the change with a loud "yay." According to LGBTI activists in India, this decision takes away their voice. Since 2014, government documents in India have offered a third option alongside male and female. The so-called third gender is …
‘Give us poison’: Trans community erupts after Parliament passes bill redefining who's trans who isn’t
Protests erupt in various parts of the country as Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 is passed without community consultation. SC panel seeks withdrawal.
The Center passed the transgender bill despite objections, but it is also a bulldozer on gender identity rights, say the opposition.
In the future, the state will decide on the gender of transhumans in India. What does this mean for those affected?
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