ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Rep. Jayapal reintroduces Transgender Bill of Rights
The resolution urges stronger federal protections for transgender and nonbinary Americans amid rising anti-trans rhetoric.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 13, Feb 2026
- 15:12 EST
- 17
.png)
Pramila Jayapal / File Photo
Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) reintroduced the Transgender Bill of Rights, a congressional resolution that urges the federal government to strengthen legal protections for transgender and nonbinary Americans.
“The trans community continues to be targeted and scapegoated by hateful legislation and politicians. This cruelty must stop,” Jayapal, Co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force said.
Also Read: Ob-gyn Verma calls Sen. Hawley’s abortion pill questions “polarizing”
ICYMI: I introduced my Trans Bill of Rights with @SenMarkey — legislation to defend trans people across this country as Republicans continue to push anti-trans rhetoric and bills.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) February 13, 2026
To our beloved trans community: We see you, we love you, and we will always stand with you. pic.twitter.com/WIIk0TJKJ9
The reintroduction comes amid a sharp rise in legislation nationwide targeting transgender rights. According to data referenced by the bill’s sponsors, 1,022 bills targeting transgender and gender non-conforming people were introduced across state legislatures in 2025 alone. Many of the proposals focus on restricting access to health care, participation in school activities, and public accommodations.
She said the Trans Bill of Rights is intended to affirm that transgender people deserve to live free from discrimination and to outline steps Congress should take to ensure dignity and equal treatment.
The resolution calls on Congress and federal agencies to explicitly include gender identity and sex characteristics as protected categories under civil rights law, strengthen anti-discrimination protections in education and employment, and ensure access to gender-affirming health care.
It also urges greater federal investment in mental health services, violence prevention programs, and survivor support for transgender and nonbinary people, and calls for a ban on so-called conversion therapy practices.
The resolution also addresses enforcement gaps at the federal level, calling for stronger oversight by the Department of Justice, including the appointment of a dedicated civil rights liaison within the Civil Rights Division to oversee enforcement of transgender civil rights.
Lawmakers backing the resolution note that transgender people face disproportionately high rates of violence and mental health challenges compared with cisgender individuals.
Representatives Sara Jacobs and Mark Takano cosponsored the legislation in the House while. U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey introduced the corresponding Senate bill.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login