From its introduction till today, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 has caused immense dissatisfaction with the way it has been framed and passed. This Protection of Rights Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on the same day as the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir after barely any deliberations on the provisions in the bill. The clauses in the bill do not line with the reality of the trans community in India.

When a few members of the Rajya Sabha spoke against the bill and called for a vote to decide whether the bill must be sent for further scrutiny the motion was defeated. The bill now awaits President’s signature. The mass protests of the community on the streets, pointing out the problems and asking for the bill to be withdrawn, has been overshadowed by the new political drama that has ensued in Maharashtra.

However, few have heard their demands – Right to self-determination of one’s gender, Penalties for sexual assault to be at par with cis gender, acceptance of chosen families and right to state support towards welfare schemes.

DATABAAZ