Heyday for the gays
Legal Victory
Delhi High Court’s historic judgment, which decriminalises consensual homosexual relations, has been welcomed by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community and their supporters. Metrolife spoke to people from a cross-section of the society to seek their opinions.
Sraman Majumdar
Copywriter
Consenting adults have the right to be themselves. It’s a democratic victory. What people choose to do in their own space without disturbing the society is their own business. It's interesting to note that homophobia is one of the loudest signs of repressed homosexuality.
Kritika Ravikumar
Advertising professional
It’s a step towards development. A step towards government supporting the people. And people means, Straight, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender. This is a remarkable moment in history. A step towards a new beginning.
Shubha Chacko
Member, Sangama
If you say, we, the people, in the Constitution, you can’t disregard a certain section of the society. You can’t say fundamental rights are the same for everybody and leave out some people. The ruling decriminalises a community. It’s a recognition of the gender and sexual diversity.
Gayatri Kannan
School teacher
I think the judgement is right. It’s not a crime to be who you are. I agree with the ruling. What people do by themselves is their business. As long as the gay people don’t force their friends to be gay, it’s ok.
Siddharth Narraian
Lawyer
This is the first and only pronouncement on the legality of Section 377 and there are no conflicting decisions. Thus, this decision clearly applies to Karnataka as well.
Jane Doe
Pastor (name changed)
I think people who are uncomfortable being homosexuals need help. I would definitely counsel them to come out of it. But there are also homosexuals, who are comfortable with their sexuality but are struggling with the church not accepting it. I have Christian friends who are gay.
Arul Mani,
Lecturer
It’s a small but good victory. We haven’t heard the last of it. I don’t know if the act will be repealed but now there’s a legal precedent.
Rashmi Krishnan,
Student (name changed)
Today, I can freely say I’m in love with a girl. It’s a day to rejoice and spill some love. I’m a proud bisexual.
(As told to Vani Sreekanta)
