Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 27: Sangama Bengaluru and Ashraya Samudaya Sanghatane Udupi staged a protest on Wednesday, December 26 in front of Gandhi statue Ajjarkad against The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, and The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill.
President of Asare Association Sanjiv Vandse said, “The two bills were approved with 27 amendments this year. Transgender persons have two options to lead their livelihood that is either begging or work as sex worker. The bill says that transgender persons should give up these two activities and live with their family. We have already left our families because they did not allow us to live with them. We do not have any another option. People are protesting against the bill across India. The government should make amendments in favour of transgender persons. Let us to lead a dignified life. We do not have any other option than committing suicide.
“Let the government provide jobs and houses for us. Let them allow us to live an independent life. There are transgender persons leading independent life, but not possible for all,” Sanjiv Vandse said.
The associations demanded to review Transgender Bill and put it forward to Parliamentary Standing Committee after taking into consideration opinions of transgender persons.
Another demand was that the Trafficking Bill must be passed to a committee. The approved bill is unclear and rigid. Instead of this, the government should provide rehabilitation facility, they said.
A memorandum of the copy was submitted to tashildar and superintendent of police.
Mahesh Patil, Sudarshan, Lavanya, Kajol and others were present.