CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has proposed to constitute a state commission with quasi-judicial powers for protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ community, to investigate complaints, and to enforce laws and schemes meant for their welfare. The draft also proposes to provide horizontal reservation in education and employment for transgender and intersex persons.
The proposal was part of the draft Tamil Nadu Sexual and Gender Minorities (LGBTQIA+) policy submitted before Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court by State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah on Monday.
Enlisting the features of the policy, the judge said, “A Sexual and Gender Minorities Commission is suggested to be formed with quasi-judicial powers to determine, investigate and enforce the law, schemes, and programmes as per state laws and policy.”
A state legislation for establishing the commission, amendment of rules for legal services to include free legal aid for LGBTQIA+ persons, amendment of PWDVA (protection of women from domestic violence) rules to include domestic and family violence on sexual and gender minorities, amendment of Juvenile Justice Rules to recognise vulnerabilities of gender-nonconforming children, and state legislation for recognition of DFA (deed of familial association) for protecting same-gender families are the other key recommendations made in the draft.
To address rights, welfare of trans individuals
The judge lauded the government saying the unveiling of the policy is a “commendable stride” towards recognising and addressing the rights and welfare of trans and intersex individuals in the state. The policy underscores a notable commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, articulating detailed rights related to movement, property, and public office for the LGBTQ+ community.
The ambitious objectives of the policy reflect a conscientious effort to create an enabling environment, encourage voluntary action, and expand outreach activities. The emphasis on combating discrimination and violence against sexual and gender minorities, alongside the push for sensitisation across various groups signals a commendable endeavour to eradicate societal biases, the judge said.