Activists on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) termed the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha a "black day" for the community, saying that the government is in a hurry to pass it in the Rajya Sabha as well.
Speaking to PTI, NCP-SP leader Anish Gawande, the country's first openly gay national spokesperson of a political party, said, "This is a black day for human rights in India. The Bill was passed without any concrete response to several valid concerns raised by the Opposition, which shows the government's unwillingness to listen to constructive criticism." He said there has been no meaningful engagement with the transgender community while drafting the legislation.
Transgender Bill passed by voice vote in Lok Sabha amid walkout by Opposition MPs
"How can you have a situation where Parliament discusses and passes a law meant for a community, which is protesting right outside Parliament against the same law?" he asked.
Questioning the government's claims, he said, "If it is protecting the transgender community from exploitation, then why are members of the transgender community opposing this Bill?" Calling it a "hurried, short-sighted decision", Mr. Gawande said it could "criminalise thousands of the most vulnerable members of the population in the days and months to come." He added that the Opposition would push for the Bill to be sent to a standing committee and may explore legal options if it is passed.
