Rajya Sabha on 24 April 2015 passed the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 by voice vote.
The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 is a private member’s Bill which aims at protecting and providing rights for transgenders.
The bill was moved by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Shiva to protect the rights of transgender persons.
The first private members bill to be passed
It is the first private members bill to be passed in Rajya Sabha in 46 years. In the past, 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed. Last time, a private member bill was passed in 1970.
Provisions of the Bill
- It seeks to provide framework for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national policy for upliftment of the transgender persons and their welfare.
- It provides for two percent reservation of transgenders in government jobs.
- It provides for establishment of Employment Exchange, National and State Commissions for Trasngender Persons and Special Transgender Rights Courts.
- It says that no child who is transgender will be separated from his or her parents on the grounds of being a transgender except on an order of competent court.
- It provides penalty for hate speech against transgender persons including imprisonment extending upto one year and with fine.
- It will help government take necessary steps in order to ensure that transgenders enjoy the right to life with dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
- It also makes provisions for pensions and unemployment allowances for members of the community.
