Transgender Bill: India parliament passes amendment to redefine transgender identity amid protests

India's parliament passed a controversial bill that seeks to amend the legal recognition of transgender people and their right to self-identify. The government argues the changes will improve welfare benefits access and strengthen existing laws against exploitation, but critics warn it could exclude many transgender individuals. The new bill removes the right to self-identification and instead defines recognition based on biological or physical traits, including intersex variations and traditional identities used by some transgender communities. This has sparked protests from the LGBTQ community and opposition politicians who criticize the bill as "draconian" and a violation of transgender rights.