‘Voices Against 377 is a coalition of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) and progressive groups based in Delhi. It is a point of intersection and dialogue between various social movements that these groups represent, where a united voice is being articulated against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes private consensual sexual acts deemed to be against the order of nature.
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is cited below:
“377. Unnatural Offences.
Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.”
The law penalizes certain sexual acts equally. For example oral sex, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual; even penile-masturbation of one person by another – is considered criminal. Although facially neutral, the law has effectively stigmatized and criminalized a section more than others, namely same-sex desiring people, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), hijra, kothi and other Queer people. The law has been used by the police to intimidate same sex desiring people and has been a source of serious human rights violations."
Sign the "Voices Against 377" Petition!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
"Voices Against 377" - Human Rights for India/Singapore!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
7 comments:
Damn. Guess we're not the only ones trying to free ourselves from draconian Victorian laws.
An Indian group would be fighting for this =]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamasutra
You would think in India LGBT laws would be more progressive in light of the Kamasutra, Gandhi philosophy, etc. I will be posting shortly about efforts to decriminalize homosexuality there.
I got confused, apparently the 377 law affects Indians, and 377A affects the Singapore population. I am not sure what the connection is or why the two countries have the same law. Maybe someone else understands this better?
Upon doing further research, if you call wikipedia research it appears the British during colonization created these laws and hence the countries have them. Singapore repealed 377, but still have 377A which disallows non-penetrative m2m sexual activity while in India 377 bans all forms of gay activity.
I wish they would make catchy songs to repeal ridiculous laws in the US. I suppose rhyming "Patriot Act" with other words is too difficult...
Hey thanks for post. This news has shocked me...
Post a Comment