Transgender people of Telangana organised a massive rally in the city against Trafficking of persons (Prevention, protection and rehabilitation) bill and Transgender persons bill, 2018 on Saturday. The rally, which started at 12 noon from Goshala, Lower Tank Bund, went up to Dharna Chowk in Indira Park.
Transgender persons and several women’s organisations have been protesting against the bills. According to activists, the two bills violate constitutional rights of both the victims of trafficking and transgender persons. Over 300 people participated in the protest march.
Speaking at a media conference held at Dharna Chowk, Vijayanthi Vasantha Mogli, a transgender activist, said both the bills should be forwarded to a select committee of Rajya Sabha for a re-look. Once the bills are referred to Rajya Sabha, consultations should be held with all stakeholders who come under the purview of the bills, protesters demanded.
“Trafficking survivors, children who are trafficked, migrants who are trafficked and transgender persons, among others, should be consulted before redrafting the bills. The bills should also follow the spirit of the NALSA, Navjet Singh Johar judgement Vs Union of India and Justice Puttaswamy Vs Union of India judgements,” Mx. Mogli said.
“The bills should uphold constitutional morality and not define morality as per the whims of those who draft the bills,” Mx. Mogli added.
Consultations should be held in all the 29 States and union territories, the protesters demanded.
