India’s Supreme Court grants transgender rights

A landmark ruling in India’s Supreme Court today (April 15) recognizes transgender people as a third gender and transgender rights as human rights.

Two judges read out a verdict that directed federal and state governments to include transgender people in welfare programs and fill quotas in jobs and education. Official documents will also now be marked with a third gender option, according to BBC News.

“The spirit of the [Indian] Constitution is to provide equal opportunity to every citizen to grow and attain their potential, irrespective of caste, religion or gender," the court stated. “Transgenders are citizens of this country and are entitled to education and all other rights.”

There are an estimated three million transgender people in India, reports the Associated Press. In South Asian cultures, transgender people are commonly referred to as hijras.

Todays’ landmark ruling follows a decision in December 2013 to reinstate a law that criminalizes homosexuality in India.