Transgender Bill, 2026 Introduced in Lok Sabha
- 17 Mar 2026
On 13th March 2026, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Key Points
- Change in Definition: The proposed amendment revises the definition of a transgender person, focusing on individuals with socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta, or eunuch, people with intersex variations, and those with congenital variations in biological characteristics.
- Removal of Self-Perceived Identity: The Bill removes references to self-perceived gender identity that were included in the 2019 Act.
- Exclusion Clause: The proposed definition specifies that persons with different sexual orientations and self-perceived gender identities will not be included under the definition of transgender persons.
- Certification Authority: The Bill introduces a definition for “authority”, referring to a medical board headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer appointed by the government.
- Role of District Magistrate: The amendments provide discretionary powers to the District Magistrate to decide whether to issue transgender certificates based on recommendations from the authority and medical experts.
- New Offences Introduced: The Bill proposes provisions defining offences against transgender persons, including denial of access to public spaces, forcing bonded labour, or forcing individuals to leave their homes.
- Protection for Children: Compelling a child to outwardly present a transgender identity through force or inducement would be punishable with rigorous imprisonment of 10-14 years and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
