On March 25, 2026, amid the Parliament’s Budget Session, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed in the Rajya Sabha. Trans folk and allies from around the country have expressed their disagreement with this bill, which seeks to remove the right of a trans person to self-identify. Even though the Bill was passed in the Upper House of Parliament, it was notably not a unanimous decision. The ‘Ayes’ may have been more, but those who opposed it did so loudly and unabashedly. Two women, Jaya Bachchan and Renuka Chowdhury, made their fury apparent in their speeches. Read all about them below.
Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan Slams The 2026 Trans Bill
In her speech, actor Jaya Bachchan started by greeting the House for Ram Navami. Then, she waited for everyone to quiet down. When reminded that she was losing time, she quipped that the time was decided by them. She referred to those disrupting her as “bacche (kids).” They were already putting “kamzor (weak)” people to hang with the bill.
She spoke for the trans community, saying they have Ramji’s “bada aashirwaad (hugs blessings).” She called the government “afraid,” and called them out for bringing this bill during the busy Budget session. Adding that the Parliament needs trans representation, she said the community members should be nominated and their sufferings heard. Only then can the Bill be brought to the two houses. Bringing forth valid points of the violations of NALSA, and Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, she called for the withdrawal of the Bill until a time there were trans folk to advise them on the same.
Renuka Chowdhury Questions MPs Over Their Understanding Of The Gender Binary (And Non-Binary)
Echoing similar points, veteran politician Renuka Chowdhury said that all MPs at the Rajya Sabha had declared themselves to be “man or woman” without any endorsing by a medical board. Asking atleast four members of Parliament to explain the meaning of LGBTQIA, she said if they could do so she agreed that they “could authorize a medical board” to determine someone’s gender.
Denonouncing their lack of awareness, Chowdhury said asking a citizen to prove their gender in front of a medical board was deplorable. Then wondering how a District Magistrate to make the final decision, she criticised the removal of “self-identification” in the new Bill. Talking about how society often isolates and forces trans individuals to run away due to lack of support at home, she added that they are helped by “decent citizens”. However, the bill punishes the “allurement.” People who attempt to assist trans folk might also face imprisonment.
Additionally calling out the loss of privacy in the bill, she lambasted any authorities making people declare their “sex-change” operations. Concluding her speech with questioning if anyone understood the meaing of “binary”, she asked there to be clear learnings, understanding, and discussion before creating a new law.
Also Read: Explained: Why Are Queer Folk (And Allies) So Against The Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026?
While the Bill has been passed, the noise made by these two female MPs at the Rajya Sabha gives one hope. We must fight to repeal the law that makes lives of trans citizens so difficult.
Also Read: 81.3% Women Lawyers Say Men Have It Easier, That’s Not A Gap, It’s A Systemic Failure