On Wednesday (March 25, 2026), India’s Parliament approved a bill aimed at revising the law protecting transgender persons’ rights. The bill, which was already passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, now moves forward after receiving Rajya Sabha’s approval.
The bill seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2019. It introduces penalties based on the severity of harm caused to transgender individuals. During discussions in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar emphasized that the proposed changes aim to protect those facing discrimination due to biological factors.
Kumar stated that the bill ensures transgender persons maintain legal recognition and protection. He highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals affected by biological issues and stressed the importance of integrating transgender people into society.
The bill was passed in Rajya Sabha through a voice vote, rejecting opposition amendments and their request to send it to a select committee for further review. Key features include defining “transgender” more clearly and excluding social orientations like different sexual identities from the law’s scope.
Critics, including AAP MP Swati Maliwal, raised concerns about provisions in the bill that criminalize misleading someone about being transgender. Maliwal argued this could unintentionally target families and support systems of transgender individuals. She called for sending the bill to a select committee for more thorough review.
JMM MP Mahua Maji echoed concerns about equal rights for transgender persons, emphasizing their ability to contribute if given opportunities. The debate also included participation from Amar Pal Maurya (BJP).
The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha earlier this month and has now cleared both houses, moving a step closer to becoming law.