Parliament passes Bill to protect transgender rights

Parliament on Tuesday passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, which seeks to provide a mechanism for social, economic and educational empowerment of transgenders, on Tuesday.

The Bill was earlier passed in Lok Sabha. A motion to refer it to a Select Committee of the Upper House was defeated.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot replying to a discussion said a clause related to a medical examination by a panel for a district magistrate (DM) or collector to certify a person as a transgender which was earlier part of the bill, will be removed.
However, in case of a child, his or her parents can file an application for issuance of an identification certificate.

Elaborating on the provisions of the bill, the Minister said it is aimed at eliminating discrimination against transgenders and the government will form a national council for its implementation after the legislation is brought into effect.

Gehlot said a transgender person will be able to avail the benefits of schemes offered by states as well as the Centre.

The motion to refer the bill to a select committee of the Rajya Sabha was moved by Tiruchi Siva of the DMK. However, it was defeated after voting took place.

The legislation prohibits discrimination against a transgender person and denial of use of public places to transgender will be treated as a crime. Bill proposes setting up National Council for Transgender Persons.