Section 377

In New Dehli, the law named section 377 is one of the oldest laws criminalizing consensual gay sex. India's Supreme Court, however is expected to rule on that law. The five Supreme Court judges have heard the case asking to strike down the law, and a ruling is expected on Thursday. "My lords, this is love that must be constitutionally recognized, and not just sexual acts", lawyer Menaka Guruswamy told the judges this quote. The law was originally introduced by British colonizers in the 1860s, the law makes is possible for you to be sentenced to prison for life. One interesting thing that struck me when I read the article is that it said anybody caught can be sentenced to prison but the law has been enforced against men only. The article also said the prosecution is rare but it still instills fear in gay people in India. The article also mentioned that Hinduism has been accepting of same-sex love and gender fluidity.
Over two dozens petitioners have asked the court to take away the law, even with their history of blackmail for speaking up against the law. The legal battle against section 377 has been going on for years, petitioners have said that the law has violated their rights to equality and liberty under India's Constitution.

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/05/world/asia/india-gay-sex-ruling-what-to-expect.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fasia&action=click&contentCollection=asia&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=sectionfront

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

India minister under scrutiny over allegations

Japan's Princess renounces her royal status for marriage

Robots transforming Chinese architecture