Include Children: Transgender Activists Urge Bill Amendment

Indian transgender activists urge to include experts before deciding contents of the bill.

Transgender person at a rally in Mumbai. (Photo: Reuters)

Activists of the transgender community in India alleged that the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, passed earlier this year, has anomalies and lacks clarity. They demanded a national policy for the community first before discussing the passage of bills.

In use since 1970s, the rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride. (Photo: Reuters)

The Rajya Sabha passed a private members’ Bill for the first time in over three decades to promote the rights of transgenders, which includes reservations and financial aid. However, claims by activists were made saying rights of transgender children weren’t taken into account and no experts or community members were consulted during the decision making process.

At a press conference, lawyer and human rights activist, BT Venkatesh, acknowledged the efforts put into the introduction of the bill, but emphasised on the need to amend it.

These bills have been drafted and passed in the most undemocratic fashion. How can one talk of benefits and rights of transgenders without having a single consultation with either the community or the experts working in the area?

<b> Sampurna Behura, Reach Law</b>

Activists and the transgender community raised a collective question, “why should anyone be forced to be identified as the third gender?” They urge for a policy which considers transgender children, transwomen and transmen.