Archive for February, 2006

Gay Rights and Section 377

Finally, there is a subtle hint of change in the legal air! Gays and homosexuals who have long been fighting a lone battle for recognition in India have something to cheer about. The Supreme Court of India sent back a plea concerning the reappeal of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, originally struck down by the Delhi High Court as not being in “public interest”.

In India, homosexuality is an offence under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. Gay rights organisations and human rights activists have long been fighting to abolish that section under the grounds that it is unconstitutional and discriminatory. Until now, Indian courts had refused to budge and change the law. But this might be the start of something new.

I firmly believe that homosexuals should have equal rights as everybody else. It is inhuman to deny them the very rights we take for granted. I hope this forward-looking decision by the Supreme Court will usher in a much needed change and abolish what, in my opinion, is an archaic law.

Read more here.