Rajya Sabha passes Transgender Rights Bill

In a historic move, the upper house of the Indian Parliament has passed the “Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014? that promises equal rights for transgender community.

The bill, a private member’s bill introduced by Tiruchi Siva of the DMK, was passed unanimously by voice vote. This is the first time in 45 years that Rajya Sabha has passed a private member’s bill.

The Bill was passed with the full strength of the treasury benches, though several opposition members were not present at the time. The Bill was passed by voice vote in the presence of 19 Union Ministers, including eight Cabinet Ministers. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also present, reported NDTV.

According to a report in LiveMint, “The private bill offers remedies against abuse and violence faced by transgenders by equipping them with job skills, and offering employment opportunities, rehabilitation and social security. It advocates the setting up of a National Commission at the state and federal levels.”