Will govt scrap law against homosexuality?

Will the dreaded anti-gay law, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, according to which homosexuality is a crime, 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.

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

It is currently being debated in court and activists say that the verdict will be a landmark in the gay community's long-standing battle. Activists say Section 377 is a powerful weapon in the hands of police, and 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.

Meanwhile, people in Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Bhubaneshwar will walk on Sunday supporting the gay rights movement in India. People in Kolkata will be walking for gay pride on July 5.

Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily has stuck his neck out and told NDTV that the law which makes homosexuality in India illegal and criminal may need a rethink.