LGBTQIA+ bodies call transgender bill ‘regressive’, demand withdrawal

Vadodara: Three Gujarat-based community organisations working with LGBTQIA+ persons have strongly opposed the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it "regressive" and violative of constitutional rights. A protest programme has also been planned for Tuesday.In a joint statement, the groups — Foram Foundation, Lakshya Trust, and Vikalp Women's Group — said the amendment "erodes dignity" and takes away the right to self-determination of gender identity, a principle upheld by the Supreme Court in the landmark NALSA vs Union of India (2014) judgment.The organisations argued that the proposed changes narrow the legal definition of ‘transgender', effectively excluding large sections of gender-diverse communities. "The attempt to identify ‘genuine oppressed persons' is exclusionary and limits protections to select socio-cultural identities and intersex persons, while discriminating against others," the statement said.They also raised concerns over provisions that empower medical boards to certify transgender identity and share medical information with district authorities.According to the groups, this creates a "medico-bureaucratic structure" that infringes on privacy and dignity. "It is based on the unscientific assumption that only those with gender-variant sex characteristics can be recognised as transgender, ignoring the psychological and lived realities of identity," the statement noted.The organisations further said the amendment could undermine ongoing grassroot work by restricting legal recognition and access to welfare for communities including transmen, transwomen, non-binary, and gender-queer individuals. They also flagged concerns over expanded penal provisions, claiming these may reinforce stereotypes and deepen vulnerabilities.Calling the bill a "major step backwards" for the LGBTQIA+ movement, the groups have urged the Centre to withdraw the amendment and initiate wider consultations with community members, civil society organisations, legal experts, and healthcare professionals.