Opposition MPs, activists oppose amendments to Transgender Persons Act

Members of Parliament and officials from various political parties voiced strong opposition to the Union government’s proposed amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. At a public hearing held at the Press Club of India, Rajya Sabha MPs from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticized the Bill's attempt to remove self-perceived gender identity recognition and introduce a medical board for determining transgender status. They expressed concerns about the government’s motives and the potential impact on trans rights. The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar, has drawn criticism from both trans communities and LGBTQ+ groups, who argue that it undermines the Act's purpose of protecting genuine transgender individuals.