Section 377 debate simmers amid gay parade hype

Will the dreaded anti-gay law, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code be finally scrapped?

According to reports, Home Minister P Chidambaram has called a meeting of Law and Health ministries to discuss the issue. The Home Ministry is waiting for a formal nod from these two ministries.

Chidambaram and Law Minister Veerappa Moily are said to be in favour of repealing Section 377, which has been in controversy for sometime.

The Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code has been controversial for sometime now. It says homosexuality is a crime:

• It is currently being debated in court and activists say that the verdict will be an important landmark in the gay community's long-standing battle.
• Activists say Section 377 is a powerful weapon in the hands of police. It is often used to harass gay people.
• The gay community argues that it also forms the basis for the widespread stigma and discrimination against them.
• A repeal of Section 377 will also mean changes in civil laws pertaining to inheritance, property and adoption.

The news of a rethink in the government on the issue of scrapping the anti-gay law comes as gay rights activists and members of the Indian gay community come out in hundreds to take part in parades in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi to demand rights for gays.

PTI adds: Even as gay communities rejoice over the news that the government is considering the repealing of the IPC section that criminalises homosexuality, religious leaders have expressed their reservations over the move.

"It (homosexuality) is not at all acceptable and agreeable. It is against the tenets of bible. Man and Woman were created in God's own image. Homosexuality is against the society," Rt Rev Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa, Head of Marthoma Syrian Church of Malabar diocesan said.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad is also opposed to any dilution in the Section 377 of IPC.

"It is against the culture and family system in India. It will result in spread of number of diseases. But we will see what changes, if at all, are introduced in the section," said Vinod Bansal, spokesperson of Delhi unit of the Parishad.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a prominent body of Muslim community too has hit out at the government's proposed move, saying the repeal of the section would create "sexual anarchy" in the society.

"The section should stay as its repealing would result in sexual anarchy in the society. Those opposing the section are influenced by Western culture. Those who argue for independence do not realise that independence should have its limits," Abdul Hameed Noamani, spokesperson of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, said.