TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) BILL-2016

About:

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, seeking to define transgenders and prohibit discrimination against them, was introduced in the Lok Sabha two years ago.
  
  
• The Bill had gone to the standing committee. Now Lok Sabha has passed it with 27 amendments. After this, it will go to Rajya Sabha.
  
  

Key highlights:

• Definition: A Transgender is any person whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth, as well as transmen, transwomen, those with intersex variations, the gender-queer, and those who designate themselves based on socio-cultural identities such as hijra, aravani, kinner and jogta.
  
  
• Certificate of identity: A transgender person must obtain a certificate of identity as proof of recognition of identity as a transgender person and to invoke rights under the Bill. Such a certificate would be granted by the District Magistrate.
  
  
• National Council for Transgender persons (NCT): It will be set up to advise the central government on policies, and legislation related to transgender persons. It will also monitor and evaluate such policies.
  
  
• Offences and penalties: Offences like compelling a transgender person to beg, denial of access to a public place, physical and sexual abuse, etc. would attract up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine.
  
  
• Welfare measures: The central or state governments shall take steps to –
  • facilitate and support livelihood for transgender persons.
    
    
  • provide healthcare facilities to transgender persons including: (i) separate HIV surveillance centers; (ii) sex reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy counselling.