Jaya Bachchan tore the Transgender Amendment Bill as soon as it was approved by Parliament
Jaya Bachchan strongly opposed the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha. He called it a blow to the rights of self-identification. His comments reflect growing concerns from activists and legal experts.
Actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan strongly opposed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill during the debate in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. he criticized Bill’s approach towards transgender community“This bill takes away the right to self-identification, which was a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in 2014,” he said.
Bachchan highlighted the respected role of transgender persons in Indian society, noting their presence during auspicious occasions and their cultural significance. She urged better inclusion of transgender voices in policymaking and suggested that “a representative of the transgender community should be nominated to Parliament to directly address their issues.”
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The 77-year-old argued that Provisions of the bill were cut The lived realities of transgender individuals. Bachchan expressed concern over the mandatory medical certification process required by the bill. “State-appointed medical boards can conduct invasive assessments of transgender persons, which undermines their dignity,” he said.
What does the amendment say?
The amendment narrows the definition of transgender persons, restricting legal recognition to specific socio-cultural groups transgender And transgenderAs well as individuals with special innate biological diversity. Bachchan pointed out that it excludes trans-men, trans-women, and non-binary individuals from legal protections, which she described as “a step backward in recognizing diverse gender identities”.
After the passage of the bill, protests have started across the country. Activists and transgender rights groups argue that the law uses vague and unscientific criteria that risk criminalizing different gender identities and experiences. Bachchan’s comments reflect these wider concerns about the bill’s impact on equality rights.
The same day, the Supreme Court-appointed advisory committee on transgender rights wrote to Union Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar urging him to withdraw the bill. The intervention highlights the ongoing legal and social debate around transgender rights and equality in India.
transgender rights in india
Transgender rights in India have evolved significantly since the 2014 NALSA decision, which recognized the right to gender self-identification and affirmed equality under law. The present Amendment Bill is said to be contrary to these principles by removing this right and imposing restrictive definitions.
The debate over transgender rights continues, with calls for policies that respect self-identification and ensure equal protection. Bachchan’s statements highlight the need for more inclusive and respectful legislation that truly addresses the concerns of the transgender community.