India, March 30 -- For over a decade, the courts, the Centre, and the states have expanded the rights of transgender persons. The Centre is now turning back the clock, excluding large sections of transpersons who were earlier protected by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. An amendment bill, passed by Parliament in the ongoing budget session, has led to widespread fear and confusion in the transgender community. The only step left before the bill becomes law is for the President to assent. In this case, the President should decline.

In 2014, in the National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, the Supreme Court held that transgender persons have the right to equality and dignity. Most people are told they ar...