Homosexuals gathered at Hutatma Chowk yesterday to oppose Section 377 of the Indian Penal CodeLove Knows No Gender, Same Sex Love is not a Crime, were just two of the many messages on placards that were seen at Hutatma Chowk yesterday.
Mumbais many homosexuals, wore these messages in a unique show of strength as they gathered to demonstrate their opposition to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
The law they say, continues to impinge upon their lives, but more importantly, the Supreme Court is about to take an important decision related to a second PIL filed against section 377, that was filed by the Naz Foundation (India) Trust in 2001.
They kicked off a nationwide signature campaign with an aim of collecting a million signatures against the law.
Men, with faces painted in rainbow colours (a symbol of gay rights) and women, raised their voices, distributed leaflets to office-goers and held red balloons in a show of sexual diversity.
While there were people who signed up for the cause, some lesbians admitted, It is getting difficult for people to sign up. They do not want to go against the law. For them, the law is the law.
A man was heard arguing with the gay rights activists, Tum log bhook hartal karo (Go on a hunger strike). Go to New Delhi and get the law
changed. What is the use of doing all this here?
A song rang through the gathering, aaj kal teremere pyaar ke charche har zabaan par sab ko maloom hai aur sab ko khabar ho gayi, to kya?
What they say
Section 377 was brought in India by the British in 1860. The law was revoked in the UK in 1967, yet it continues to remain a law here. How can Indians be judged on a 19th century ideology, when our history shows remarkable tolerance towards sexual diversity?
Anand Grover
Lawyer
If a section of society wants to practice sex with a person of the same gender then why should anyone have a problem? Our constitution ensures freedom of life and personal liberty, but article 377 violates this right.
Ashish Garg
Corporate lawyer
Two years ago, my mom caught me having sex with another guy. Initially, she was angry, but now she has accepted it. Even my office staff has accepted me for who I am.
Aslam Shekih
Gay activist
We have sex with mutual consent. If we are not forcing anyone to have sex with us then why is it that we are treated like criminals? Are we the same as rapists?
Samson Kale
We often have people accusing us of having sex in places like toilets and they do not like it. But we also do not like having sex in toilets. It is just that gays do not have places where they can be themselves.
Ashok Row Kavi
Gay activist
My family learnt of my orientation from the media, but have not yet accepted it. However, I have decided that I will live my life the way I want.
Geeta Kumana
Gay activist
What is Section 377 of the IPC?
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) states under Unnatural Offences:
Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with a man, woman or animal, shall be punished with (imprisonment for life) or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine. It also states that sexual acts that do not lead to procreation, are illegal.
