Congress slams BJP’s Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, calls it “attack on constitutional rights”

Congress opposed the bill, urging protection of transgender rights and dignity. Pic/X

The Congress Party has launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government over its proposed Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, describing it as a "regressive" move that undermines the constitutional rights of transgender persons in India.

In a strongly worded statement, the party alleged that the bill seeks to strip transgender individuals of their right to self-identify, a principle upheld by the NALSA v. Union of India judgment of the Supreme Court of India. According to Congress, this move directly contradicts legal protections granted by the apex court.

The party further claimed that the bill disregards India's long-standing cultural diversity by erasing the unique identities of various transgender communities across the country. It also raised concerns over provisions that allegedly require transgender individuals to undergo medical examinations by official boards, calling the process "dehumanising and invasive."

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Additionally, Congress criticised the inclusion of criminal penalties and surveillance mechanisms in the proposed legislation, arguing that such measures lack adequate safeguards and could lead to misuse and further marginalisation of an already vulnerable community.

A key point of contention for the party is the alleged lack of consultation with members of the transgender community before drafting the bill. Congress leaders stated that the legislation appears to stigmatise rather than empower transgender persons.

The party emphasised that the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life, liberty, dignity, and identity. It accused the BJP government of violating these fundamental principles and disregarding India's historical legacy of recognising and respecting transgender communities.

The Congress Party has with certainity opposed the bill and called for a more inclusive and consultative approach that safeguards the rights and dignity of transgender individuals.