New Delhi

Activists and opposition leaders on Wednesday criticised the passage of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, calling it a setback for the community and expressing concern over what they described as a rushed attempt to clear it in the Rajya Sabha.

Anish Gawande, one of the country’s first openly gay national spokespersons of a political party, termed the development a “black day” for human rights. He alleged that the government pushed the bill through without adequately addressing concerns raised by the opposition or engaging meaningfully with members of the transgender community.

He questioned how legislation affecting a specific community could be passed even as members of that community were protesting outside Parliament. According to him, the move reflects a lack of willingness to incorporate feedback and could adversely impact vulnerable sections.

Gawande said the opposition would continue to resist the bill in the Rajya Sabha and seek its referral to a parliamentary standing committee. He added that if the legislation is passed, they may approach the Supreme Court of India, arguing that it violates the principles laid down in the NALSA v. Union of India verdict.

Transgender rights activist Grace Banu also voiced strong opposition, describing the bill as unacceptable and harmful to the community’s legal rights and identity. She said activists have begun outreach efforts with MPs in the Upper House and will continue their campaign against the legislation.

Banu added that opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have expressed solidarity with the community.

Another activist, Akkai Padmashali, echoed similar concerns, stating that the bill is unacceptable and must be resisted.

Delhi-based Dalit transman Kabir Maan described the development as deeply worrying, alleging that the bill was being pushed through without sufficient discussion or consideration of the community’s concerns.

READ MORE: AdvocateTuba Snowbar is unapologetic, unstoppable

Activists warned that if the bill becomes law, they will continue their legal and public campaign, saying their struggle is aimed at ensuring dignity, rights, and security for future generations of the transgender community.