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On 26 November, the Rajya Sabha passed the Transgender Bill. In the monsoon session of the parliament earlier this year, the Lok Sabha had passed the bill and sent it to the upper house for its approval.
On 27 November, in a press conference in New Delhi, the community expressed its concerns about the bill. After being passed by the Rajya Sabha as well, the transgender community has raised serious concerns about their very existence.
The bill prohibits discrimination against transgender persons in educational institutions, government establishments, and while renting or purchasing property, receiving healthcare and using public services.
But the legislation does not explicitly define what constitutes discrimination in the context of the transgender community. It also fails to specify punishment for those who discriminate against transgender persons.
The bill also states that transgender persons will have the right to “self-perceived” gender identity. But in the same section, it adds that a transgender person must make an application to the district magistrate to receive an identity certificate.
Another issue that has angered the community is of punishment to sex offences against the trans community.
The community is hoping that the president will send back the bill to the parliament and amendments will be made.
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