New Delhi, March 25 The Parliament passed a bill on Wednesday to amend a law protecting the rights of transgender persons, proposing to exclude social orientations from the law's scope, with the Rajya Sabha giving its approval.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2019, also provides for graded punishments based on the severity of harm inflicted on such individuals. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
In response to the debate on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Upper House, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar said that the proposed legislation is an effort to bring all segments of society together.
He said that the bill aims to provide protection only to those who face discrimination due to biological issues. The minister asserted that the amendment will ensure that transgender persons continue to receive legal recognition and protection.
The Modi government is committed to protecting all those who are suffering due to biological reasons, he added, stating that their rights will be protected.
The minister opined that such individuals should be brought into the mainstream so that they do not live in despair.
Highlighting the steps taken by the government for the welfare of the community, the minister said that transgender welfare boards have been set up in over 30 states. This bill will bring administrative clarity and protect the rights of transgender persons.
The bill was passed by a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha after rejecting amendments proposed by the opposition. The House did not approve the demands by the opposition for sending the bill to a select committee.
The bill seeks 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 for transgender persons must be urgently addressed.
She noted that the provision in the bill that criminalizes presenting oneself as transgender is vague and risky.
It is risky because it may target families, doctors, and the support system of the transgender community.
"Instead of protection, we may create outright fear. Today, we must stand with those who have been marginalized for centuries. We must send this bill to a select committee and hold wider consultations because dignity delayed is dignity denied," she said.
JMM MP Mahua Maji said that these individuals are not getting equal rights.
If they get an opportunity, they are not less capable than anyone, she stressed. BJP's Amar Pal Maurya also participated in the debate on the bill.