Lok Sabha Takes Up Transgender Persons Amendment Bill,

Lok Sabha has taken up the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passing. The Bill aims to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Under the Act, a transgender person may apply to the District Magistrate for issuing a certificate of identity as a transgender person. The Bill adds that the District Magistrate will issue the certificate after examining the recommendation of a designated medical board. The board will be headed by a Chief Medical Officer or a Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The District Magistrate may take the assistance of other medical experts. The Bill also provides that transgender persons will be entitled to change the first name in the birth certificate and other official documents based on the certificate of identity.

Moving the bill, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar said, the objective of this legislation is to protect only those individuals who face severe social exclusion due to their biological condition. ‘He said the Act provides for the rights of transgender persons and their welfare. The Minister said that, under the bill, the District Magistrate will issue a certificate of identity as a transgender person.

Participating in the discussion, S Jothimani of Congress opposes the bill, saying that the bill has been brought without consulting the transgender individuals. She termed this Bill a regressive step. Anand Bhadauria of the Samajwadi Party also opposed the bill and demanded that it be sent to the Select Committee. Dr T. Sumathy of DMK also opposed the bill, saying how the state can decide transgender identity. (updated on 24th march 2026)