United Nations hails India's Supreme Court ruling on transgenders

UNITED NATIONS: The UN has hailed Indian Supreme court's ruling recognising transgenders as a third gender, saying the "historic" decision will pave way for reforms that will help the community get access to employment and public services.

Responding to queries on the Supreme Court judgement, spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Stephane Dujarric told reporters here yesterday that "we welcome the historic ruling" legally upholding the rights of transgender people across India.

"The decision officially recognises a third gender in law and confirms that discrimination on grounds of gender identity is impermissible under the Indian Constitution," he said.

"It should pave the way for reforms that make it easier for transgender people in India to obtain legal recognition of their gender identity, as well as access to employment and public services," Dujarric said, adding that the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights also welcomed the ruling.

In the landmark judgement yesterday, the Supreme Court recognised transgenders or eunuchs as the third category of gender and directed the centre and state governments to grant them all facilities including voters ID, passport and driving licences.

The centre and state governments were also directed to take steps for bringing the community into the mainstream by providing adequate healthcare, education and employment.