What in the World - India has a new trans rights law - and it’s sparked protests

Download India has a new trans rights law - and it’s sparked protests

India has passed a controversial bill that seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify. The government says this legislation is meant to protect vulnerable groups from being exploited. But it’s caused protests by opposition parties and members of the LGBTQ community.

In this episode the BBC’s Anahita Sachdev, based in Delhi, breaks down everything we need to know about the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026, including how this law could impact India’s ‘third gender’. We also hear from trans-rights activist Don Hasar who shares why some people are worried.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producer: Mora Morrison
Editor: Harriet Oliver

Published on Friday, 10th April 2026.

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