- The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 19, 2019 by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment - Thaawarchand Gehlot.
- It was passed by Lok Sabha on August 05, 2019 and Rajya Sabha on November 26, 2019.
Key Features of the Bill
- The Bill defines a transgender person as one whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth.
- It includes trans-men and trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with socio-cultural identities (Ex: hijra).
- They have a right to reside and be included in his household.
- No government or private entity can discriminate against a transgender person in employment matters, including recruitment, and promotion.
- A transgender person may make an application to the District Magistrate for a certificate of identity, indicating the gender as ‘transgender’.
National Transgender Council
- A National Council for Transgender persons (NCT) under chairmanship of Union Social Justice Minister will be formed.
- Vice Chair - Minister of State for Social Justice
- Members:
- Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice
- One representative from Health, Home and HRD Ministries
- Members from NITI Aayog and Human Rights Commission.
- 5 members from Transgender Community and 5 experts from NGOs.