India has taken important steps toward recognizing the dignity and rights of transgender persons. The existing legal framework acknowledges that gender identity is deeply personal and must be determined by the individual.

However, a recently introduced amendment bill seeks to redefine the term “transgender person” and remove the principle of self-identified gender identity from the law. This change threatens to reverse the constitutional progress achieved in recent years.

We, the undersigned citizens, students, activists, and allies, strongly oppose this amendment and urge the Government to reconsider it.

 
Why This Amendment is Harmful
1️⃣ It Contradicts the Supreme Court’s Landmark Judgment
In National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, the Supreme Court recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender as part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

Removing self-identification from the law directly undermines this constitutional principle.

 
2️⃣ It Introduces Medical Gatekeeping
The amendment proposes that a medical board must certify transgender identity.

Gender identity is not a medical disorder. Requiring medical approval for identity recognition subjects transgender individuals to unnecessary scrutiny, delays, and potential discrimination.

 
3️⃣ It Excludes Many Transgender and Gender-Diverse People
By narrowing the definition of transgender persons, the amendment risks excluding people whose identities do not fall into rigid categories.

This exclusion could deny individuals access to legal recognition, welfare schemes, employment protections, and healthcare benefits.

 
4️⃣ It Violates Constitutional Principles
The proposed changes raise serious concerns under:

Article 14 – Equality before law
Article 15 – Protection against discrimination
Article 19 – Freedom of expression and identity
Article 21 – Right to life, dignity, and personal autonomy
 

5️⃣ Vague and Disproportionate Penal Provisions

The amendment introduces severe criminal penalties based on vague and undefined terms such as “influencing someone to become transgender.” Such language lacks legal clarity and may enable misuse against transgender persons, activists, educators, healthcare providers, or community support networks that work to support gender-diverse individuals.At the same time, offences that are intended to protect transgender persons from violence, discrimination, and harassment continue to carry comparatively weaker penalties. This creates a troubling imbalance where community support could be criminalized while protections against actual harm remain insufficient.Legislation affecting vulnerable communities must be drafted with precision and proportionality. Vague criminal provisions risk misuse, selective enforcement, and further marginalization of transgender persons rather than strengthening their protection.

Our Demand
We call upon the Government of India and Members of Parliament to:

Withdraw the proposed amendment redefining transgender identity.
Protect the principle of self-identified gender recognition.
Engage in meaningful consultation with transgender communities before introducing legislative changes affecting their rights.
India’s constitutional values require that laws protect dignity, equality, and freedom for all citizens. Legislation that restricts identity and autonomy moves us away from those ideals.

 
Sign This Petition
Stand for equality. Stand for dignity. Stand for the constitutional rights of transgender persons.

Add your name to urge Parliament to reject this harmful amendment.

Furthermore you can also sign the collective statement 

Link to the Collective Statement against the TG Amendment Bill 2026: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-bJ9Q8KX3K9J7pBjhyKvqFR49YB9-zAcdZ6RObEwFE0/edit?usp=sharing

Link to Sign the Statement - https://forms.gle/LyUCSx73w7qs4MJw7