Click to play videoNew Delhi: In can be dangerous to be openly gay in India. Not only is it illegal, according to an outdated law that needs changing, but gays are often victims of a society that is still to come to terms with alternate sexuality.
The gay and lesbian community in the country has lobbied hard to find a voice, but the law of the land still works against them.
"Consensual sex between adults should be allowed," Vikram Doctor, organiser of a gay-lesbian parade says.
Sociologist Nandini Sardesai adds, "The law a hangover of the British Raj."
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, criminalises sex between people of the same gender, terming it unnatural with punishment ranging from 10 years to life. Ironically the section does not cover paedophilia.
"377 should be repealed only after making provisions for an adequate law against child sexual abuse," says legal activist Flavia Agnes.
Same sex couples in the country still live in constant fear of persecution and violence from the police and even their own families.
Same sex couples cannot buy a house together, cannot have a joint bank account, cannot even will property to each other without being challenged by their families.
India has approximately 40 lakh people of alternate sexuality but the community needs the general population. to show their support for gay rights.
"First I think there should be a gay-straight alliance. That's the only way minds are really going to open up," Vikram says.
The irony is that India's law on homosexuality which was framed in 1860 in Victorian England is no longer a part of British law but somehow remains in our law books.
(With inputs from Nidhi Bhardwaj)
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