Sexual minorities stage protest over atrocities, harassment

Criticising various instances of harassment and violence, meted against sexual minorities in Hassan district and other parts of the State, sexual minorities and activists under the banner of Coalition of Sexual Minority and Sex Workers’ Rights, took out a rally, here, on Sunday.

The rally was jointly organised by the Coalition, Bengaluru Pride and Karnataka Queer Hub. The protestors alleged that the sexual minorities are victims of harassment and violence on a daily basis and demanded action against the offenders.

As many as 22 sexual minority members have been housed in prisons by filing false cases against them in the State. Of the 22, six of the accused are in judicial custody for the past two to three months, even though there is little evidence for the complaints lodged against them, the protestors alleged. The protestors said, the demonstration of solidarity of sexual minorities, as both their families and the society are treating them as outcastes.

In November 2013, Hassan police raided the houses of sexual minorities and arrested 13 persons. Last August, two transgenders were booked after an unidentified person was found dead in Hassan.

Recently, Mysuru police too lodged false complaints against six transgenders, which was later dropped. Such cases are being repeated across the country, they pointed out.

On April 15, the Supreme Court has acknowledged our rights and has instructed the Centre and State governments to provide us adequate security. However, governments are delaying the implementation of Supreme Court’s guidelines, they complained.