Government Seeks Public Input on LGBTQI+ Policies Following SC Directives

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is seeking public and stakeholder input to ensure the inclusivity and effectiveness of LGBTQI+ policies. Following an SC directive, a high-level committee was formed to address the queer community's entitlements. Various ministries have issued guidelines to safeguard the community's rights and interests.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is calling for inputs from stakeholders and the general public to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of policies aimed at the LGBTQI+ community.

Following the Supreme Court's directive in the Supriya vs Union of India case, the government launched initiatives to protect the rights and interests of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community. A high-level committee, chaired by the cabinet secretary, has been established to define the community's entitlements.

Formed in April 2024, the committee includes key officials from various ministries. It held a meeting in May 2024 to discuss issues such as the issuance of ration cards, joint bank accounts, and prevention of harassment linked to gender identity and sexual orientation. A sub-committee, chaired by the home secretary, is focusing on topics like prison visitation rights and law-enforcement practices.

Several ministries have issued advisories aimed at including and protecting the LGBTQI+ community. The Department of Food and Public Distribution advised treating queer partners as household members for ration cards, while the Department of Financial Services clarified that queer individuals can open joint bank accounts with their partners. Similarly, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has prohibited conversion therapy and ensured access to sex reassignment surgery.

Additionally, guidelines are being developed to address the mental health and well-being of the queer community, as well as medical interventions for intersex infants and children. The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment held a consultation in July 2024 to discuss LGBTQI+ issues, and the feedback has been shared with relevant ministries. The government is now inviting public suggestions on further measures to support queer communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)