SC refuses to recognise lesbians, gays and bisexuals as third gender

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to recognise lesbians, gays and bisexuals as third gender.

The apex court said it will not modify its April 15, 2014, order, which recognised the transgender community as a third gender along with male and female.

An apex court bench comprising Justices A.K. Sikri and N.V. Ramana said it is amply clear from the verdict of April 15, 2014, that lesbians, gays and bisexuals are not transgenders.

The apex court was hearing a petition filed by the Centre, challenging the definition of 'transgender'.

Paving way to bring transgenders in national mainstream, the apex court directed the government to take steps to remove problems faced by them.

The Supreme Court had on April 15, 2014, granted legal recognition to transgenders as third category of gender and had directed the Centre and all states to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes to extend reservation for admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.