03 July,2009 12:43 PM IST | | Soumya Mukerji
Just three days after the glorious gay pride parade, Delhi's queers sang on the streets again, this time, with their masks off. And they want more
Closets are for clothes. Finally, the Delhi High Court agrees. In a historic judgment that legalises gay relationships, the court said the 149-year-old Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code violates fundamental rights, especially that of equality, as it criminalises homosexual acts among consenting adults. The clause, however, will still stand against 'non-consensual and non-vaginal sex'. The decision came eight years after the NGO Naz Foundation, in association with other activist groups, had filed a petition against the controversial law.
The city's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community, which gathered at Jantar Mantar for a cake-cutting celebration post the landmark ruling, finally pulled its masks off. "I only hope this is followed by more moves like marriage, property and adoption rights," said a happily high Ponni Arasu of Voices Against 377, a gay support group. Others were proud that Delhi took the lead. "More metros should take cue. If they don't adopt the change, all those who're alternately inclined should come here," suggested gay foreign language teacher Ashish Mehra, as he touched up his purple lipstick. Celebs and prominent activists were missing, but the euphoria filled in effortlessly. The parting song: Hum hain raahi pyaar ke, hum se kuchh na boliye!
