An impromptu rally in the streets of Mumbai as gay rights activists and gays celebrate a groundbreaking ruling by the Delhi High Court that decriminalizes homosexuality
The court repealed Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that treated consensual gay sex as a crime . The justices wrote gays and lesbians were "denied moral full citizenship [as] Section 377 IPC grossly violates their right to privacy." The decision continues: "The Constitution of India recognises, protects and celebrates diversity. To stigmatise or to criminalise homosexuals only on account of their sexual orientation would be against the constitutional morality."
The decision is the first of its kind in India, which is the largest democracy in the world and the world's second most populous nation. The ruling applies only in New Delhi but is expected to have national implications. The decision will undoubtedly bring some much-needed freedom for gays in this deeply conservative country.
Anjali Goplan is executive director of the Naz Foundation, a sexual health organization, which filed the petition. Goplan says they could not have asked for more. "I think it is historic," she tells the Voice of America. "I think we have finally taken baby steps into the 21st century."
I'm very excited for them. You have to start somewhere. Hopefully they won't be stopped.
Posted by: Ravenback | 02 July 2009 at 11:26
Namaste!
Posted by: John Ozed | 02 July 2009 at 11:42
ASHE!
AMEN!
AND SO IT IS...
LET FREEDOM RING! I have always found Indian men so sweet-spirited and perhaps now, with this happening, the freedom of their hearts will spill over into their lives.
NOW IF WE COULD BE this PROGRESSIVE IN AMERICA!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 02 July 2009 at 13:27
I AM SO HAPPY FOR INDIA...
Posted by: thegaytekeeper | 02 July 2009 at 13:32
jai ho!
congratulations my fellow LGBT brothers and sisters in india! cherish your newfound freedom and help it to grow!
Posted by: Sean Beasley | 02 July 2009 at 13:35
This is great! When I heard this though I didn't know it only applied to Delhi for the time being though.
Posted by: LaurynX | 02 July 2009 at 16:47
I live in this part of the world and this is exciting news.
That is a big step now hopefully the rest of the world will catch up....
Peace and Love brothers, keep the faith...
Posted by: DW Jazzlover | 02 July 2009 at 18:33
Very wonderful news! An important first step for that part of the world.
Posted by: ReggieH | 02 July 2009 at 20:43
Work, India!
Posted by: Chaz | 03 July 2009 at 08:30
wow
and america is shamed yet again!!!
thanks
ab
Posted by: alicia banks | 05 July 2009 at 10:42