Voices Cry for Decriminalization of Homsexuality For All of India
Written by Takeru
In New Delhi , the Delhi High Court made a groundbreaking ruling by lifting the 1860 anti-gay British-era statute, known as Section 377, and officially decriminalizing homosexuality. Although, while the ruling only applies to the capital, many homosexuals throughoutIndia hope that this will influence other courts to do the same.
Section 377, or more specifically, the Indian Penal Code, was written by Lord Macaulay during the British colonial era, and basically stated that anyone who voluntarily has intercourse with their own sex will lead to imprisonment and fine.
Those who have criticized this policy, including some of India's top officials who've met to talk about the statute, believe that the Section 377 Indian Penal Code is what's obstructing India from fully dealing with their HIV/AIDS problem, claiming it to be difficult to help educate non-infected and infected homosexuals from spreading the disease. With the penal code in place, homosexuals who have the disease can't reach out for AIDS/HIV prevention groups, etc.
But today, many homosexuals throughout India are hopeful for this one small shimmer of light. Gone are the days where some were forced into marriages; having to deal with guilt and depression, and extreme harassment. Now that they have the country listening, homosexuals can work themselves for a future of equality.
In a June 28th article of The Times of India, titled, Is India ready to accept gays?, the reporter suggested whether India -- during the talks of possibly lifting the Section 377 ban -- is ready to follow what most of the world has already done by lifting an archaic ban or will it follow the likes of the few homophobic countries like Pakistan, Uganda, Tanzania. To others outside India but within the same region, it seemed odd that the country didn't turn gay-friendly after China lifted their ban in 1997 or when Nepal did the same a decade later, or like other Asian nations like Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, and Kazakhstan. India seemed out of sync with the rest of the world, the article suggested, but it nonetheless finally asked itself 'should it finally rid the ban once and for all?'
Manohar Elavarthi, a gay man, is viewed by the public as being India's first gay figure to bring a major voice and awareness for homosexuals by creating a mainstream political coalition. With his valiant effort in putting the homosexual agenda up front against opposing political parties, along with the support of the lower class, Gandhians, and members of the domestic workers unions, Elavarthi hopes to one day be the first openly gay man elected to a major political office.
"Our dream for Indian politics is to build a common front of lesbians, untouchables, eunuchs and low-paid workers -- people who really need a voice in this country," said Elavarthi. " India -- the new India -- is really changing. We need to build a party around social justice for minorities. It would be a sign that India is a true secular democracy."
Perhaps India is truly ready to move toward the future mindset.
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Last Updated on 04 December 2009
