Parliament passes transgender bill amid opposition protest

New Delhi: The Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod on Wednesday after a discussion in which the Opposition pressed for sending it to a Select Committee of the House on the grounds that it is not sensitive enough to the cause of the community, a claim the government refuted. The Lok Sabha had cleared it on Tuesday.

In his reply to the debate, social justice minister Virendra Kumar said this bill is not a mere amendment but one aimed at ensuring social reform for those who have faced discrimination due to their identity and social boycott. He said the bill will help the transgender community live with dignity.

The Opposition insisted that the government either withdraw it or send it to a select panel. Congress' Renuka Chowdhury, who initiated the debate, asked how a medical board could determine who a transgender is. She accused the government of being arrogant and insensitive.