The Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, despite protests from opposition members and backlash from transgender activists.
Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) spokesperson Anish Gawande has hit out at the proposed legislation, raising concerns over the lack of consultation with the transgender community.
The bill removes the principle of self-identification, which could deny recognition to many people within the community.
Gawande also criticized the bill's proposal for mandatory certification by medical boards and district magistrates, as well as additional approvals for those undergoing gender-affirming surgery.
The bill also seeks to punish those 'forcing a person to present as a transgender person and engage in begging, servitude or bonded labour', with punishments ranging from five to 10 years in prison and a fine of at least one lakh rupees.
Gawande proposed that the government should provide reservations in Parliament for transgender people and give people representation where it is deserved.
He emphasized the importance of embracing diversity and understanding humanity, saying that India is a country where kindness is placed as the most important virtue.
Gawande's message to members of the LGBTQ+ community who are hesitant to come out due to fears of discrimination and social exclusion is to be brave and be kind to themselves.
