Section 377: Homosexuals Forced to Marry Opposite Sex Due to Family Pressures, Resulting In Bi-Sexuality & Mental Trauma, Says Lawyer in SC
In 2013, Supreme Court had reversed the High Court order, and pointed out that those indulging in gay sex will be prosecuted and sentenced under Section 377.
The third day of the Supreme Court hearing session to scrap Section 377 has started. Presenting her side, Justice Indu Malhotra pointed out that the homosexual community feels inhibited to go for medical aid due to prejudices against them. She elaborated on an essential issue that because of family and societal pressures, and other factors they are forced to marry the opposite sex, and it leads to bi-sexuality and other mental trauma.
Malhotra further said that it is not human beings alone who indulge in homosexual acts, many animals also show homosexual behaviour. "It is not an aberration but a variation," said justice Indu.
Lawyer Shyam Divan further highlighted that, "Section 377 has a chilling effect on freedom of expression under Article 19. He said that the Supreme Court should not have re-criminalized Section 377, after Delhi HC struck it down because of the tremendous adverse impact it has.
On Day 2 of the Supreme Court hearing, Centre said that it is okay with consensual acts between adults in private but seeks clarification on bestiality. It has passed the buck on Supreme Court, and has asked the latter to decide on the constitutionality of Section 377.
In 2013, Supreme Court had reversed the High Court order, and pointed out that those indulging in gay sex will be prosecuted and sentenced under Section 377.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2018 01:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).