Several members from different political parties highlighted the need for a law to end discrimination against transgender people in our society.
Cutting across party lines, Lok Sabha members on Friday underlined the need for an effective law to end discrimination against transgenders so that they can enjoy all constitutional rights and live a dignified life.
Resuming the debate over the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, BJP member Jagdambika Pal said the transgenders are also citizens of this country and they must have all the rights. "It is unfortunate that they are being discriminated, tortured and not treated well by the society...they should be provided legal protection," he added.
Several members from different political parties suggested that Lok Sabha should pass the Transgender Persons Bill, a private measure, which was approved by the Rajya Sabha earlier. The Rajya Sabha had created history last April when it passed the private members' bill brought by Tiruchi Siva (DMK). He was present in the gallery of the Lower House to witness the debate.
Participating in the discussion, Congress member Shashi Tharoor said the bill sought to address the problems being faced by homosexuals as well as transgenders. Tharoor regretted that the country is saddled with colonial era laws which reflected Victorian morality.
The Supreme Court, he said, has ruled that transgenders should have all the rights of a citizen provided in the Constitution and should have the option to decide whether they belong to category - male, female or the third gender.
He suggested that there should be a transgender welfare board to take care of the needs of such persons and demanded the Lok Sabha should pass the bill approved by the Upper House. Intervening in the discussion, Thawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, asked the members to also give their views on a definition of 'transgenders', how they can be provided reservation and should they be treated as males or females.
Prahlad Singh Patel (BJP), however, suggested that the law to protect the rights of transgenders should not be passed in a hurry. "We need to consider all connected issues before enacting any law on the rights of transgenders," Patel said adding it is mainly the responsibility of the family to take care of such children.
Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD) also said that there are lot of incongruities in the bill and suggested that the government should come out with a comprehensive bill to deal with the problems of transgenders.
Among others who participated in the discussion were P P Choudhary, Lakhan Lal Sahu and Bhairon Prasad Mishra (all BJP) and Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS). The discussion will continue. The bill provides for formulation of a implementation of a comprehensive national policy for ensuring overall development of the transgender persons and for their welfare. According to some estimates there were about 25 lakh transgenders in the country, though the number could be much higher as many do not declare their status because of social stigma.
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