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Feminists, Lawyers Urge MPs to Reject Transgender Rights Amendment Bill
Feminist and lawyer groups are urging Members of Parliament to reject the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. Critics say the proposed amendments, introduced by the Union government, are unconstitutional and would negatively impact transgender people's rights.
Over 100 feminists and lawyers have signed an open letter to Members of Parliament, published Saturday, March 21, 2026, asking them to reject the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. The letter states that the proposed amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, are unconstitutional and introduce arbitrary and inhumane requirements. According to the letter, the bill would severely limit transgender people's access to fundamental rights. Critics also say the proposed changes would narrow the definition of transgender people. They also claim that the amendments would criminalize transgender support systems and further marginalize vulnerable individuals. The groups are requesting that the Amendment Bill be withdrawn and sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment for review.
Key Facts
- Feminist and lawyer groups have written to MPs, asking them to reject a bill amending transgender rights.
- The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 is under scrutiny.
- Critics assert the amendments undermine the right to self-perceived gender identity.
- The groups claim the bill introduces medical gatekeeping.
- The letter says the bill criminalizes transgender people's support systems.
- The letter urges a comprehensive review by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The groups want consultation with transgender, intersex, non-binary, and genderqueer communities.