[Marxistindia] Resolution adopted at the 24th Congress of CPI(M)

[news from the cpi(m)]

Resolution

 

Ensure Equal Rights and Dignity for LGBTQI+ Individuals

 

 

The 24th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) stands in
solidarity with the LGBTQI community in the fight for their rights.

 

The LGBTQI community, especially transgender individuals, remains one of the
most vulnerable populations worldwide. With the rise of right-wing politics
globally, the lives of LGBTQI persons have become even more difficult. In
some countries, governments have actively sought to erase their identities
or restrict their rights. 

 

The Modi government's overall approach to LGBTQI+ issues, apart from being
regressive, has been marked by tokenism and inconsistency. Pandering to
right-wing sentiments, it has refused to amend discriminatory laws that deny
LGBTQI+ individuals many essential rights. Despite the decriminalization of
same-sex relations in 2018, significant legal and social challenges persist.
Same-sex couples are not legally recognized and are excluded from civil
unions. They have no legal protections related to property, insurance,
custody, or adoption. 

 

The 2014 National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) verdict recognised
transgender persons' right to self-identify and mandated horizontal
reservations in jobs and education. The Modi government has refused to amend
the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2020, to provide for
reservation in education and employment, which could have addressed the
systemic barriers to an extent.

 

Societal and bureaucratic barriers deny transgender individuals access to
treatment under the "Ayushman Bharat" scheme.  This is compounded by stigma
and the lack of awareness about their unique needs.

 

Garima Grehs were set up for transgender individuals rejected by families
and communities. Managed by NGOs they have been facing problems due to
inexplicable delays in funding. Combined with the fact that only 18 of these
shelter homes have been set up in the entire country and they house a mere
414 individuals, lays bare the callous approach of the Modi government in
addressing their issues. The 2011 census estimates their population to be
around five lakhs.

 

In addition to legal and social challenges, the LGBTQI community is also
frequently excluded from the mainstream educational system, employment
opportunities, and healthcare. This exclusion exacerbates their
marginalization. 

 

In the light of the above, the 24th Congress of the CPI(M) demands:

 

1.     Amendment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2020
in consonance with the NALSA judgement and addressing other concerns.

2.     Removing barriers in accessing health services by the LGBTQI
community.

3.     Set up adequate number of shelter homes for transgender individuals
and substantially enhance budgetary allocations for them.

4.     Legislation to formally recognise same sex unions and provide them
adequate protections.

5.     Adoption of gender-neutral policies across sectors.

 

 

 

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