The Rajya Sabha on Friday passed a bill that seeks equal rights for the transgenders. It was the first private member's bill to be passed by the Upper House in 45 years.

The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill 2014, moved by DMK member Tiruchi Shiva, wants the government to take steps to bring the transgender community, facing social stigma and ostracism, into the mainstream. The private member Bill provides for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national policy to ensure the overall development and welfare of India's transgenders.

"We say human rights are for all, why some people are neglected. We all have human rights, whatever our gender identity. The bill I have presented is for an act which will create an equal society as it recognises and protects transgender persons, in all spheres of life," said Shiva. "Different countries have taken steps, why not India?" he questioned.

"It is a unanimous decision of the house... This is a rare thing," Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien announced after the bill was passed. The bill was later adopted by the house through a voice vote.

After the bill comes into force, there is expected to be strong legal provisions to prevent the abuse and violence towards the transgenders. A National Transgender Welfare Commission and a special Transgender Court have also been proposed in the Bill.

The last private member bill was passed in 1970. A private member's bill in a parliamentary system of government is a proposal given by an MP who is not a part of the government.



