In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has decided to reconsider criminalizing Gays under Section 377 due to a petition filed recently by five persons stating that they are living in fear of being prosecuted. “My bedroom My Rules!” a slogan on every LGBT’s lips will soon be a reality or so it seems.
Deciding to re-look at Section 377 of the Indian Penal code, its Constitutional validity will also be re-considered and examined by a larger group of judges.
What is Section 377?
Section 377 – a British-era law criminalizes Gay relationships as “against the order of nature.”
Re-opening a debate on the law, the Supreme Court stated, “What is natural to one may not be natural to others.”
In 2013, the Delhi High Courts order to decriminalize Gay Sex (Section 377) was canceled by the Supreme Court.
In 2017 however, in a landmark verdict, the Apex Court declared right to privacy a fundamental right, ushering in hope for the gay and LGBT community. Will this be a landmark judgment?
According to statistics, our country’s gay population is minuscule and over a period of 150 years less than 200 persons have been prosecuted for committing an offense under Section 377.
What are your views on the subject? Do you think homosexuality is a crime? Write in your views.
Information Credit: NDTV, The Indian Express
