Sexual minorities to take out rally to press for rights

Chennai, Aug 6 (UNI) Transgenders and homosexuals in Tamil Nadu will take out a rally here on August nine, demanding among other things the repeal of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code which criminalises sexual interaction between people of same gender.

Though Britain, which introduced such a law in the country during the colonial rule, had repealed it, India continued to carry this notorious colonial legacy, Tamil Nadu Transgenders Association President Asha Bharathi said.

She alleged that the law was extensively used by police to abuse, harass and extort money from homosexual men in public places.

Stating that goondas also take advantage of the situation and harass the 'sexual minorities,' she said law enforcement agencies and other government departments should be sensitised on their rights.

Ms Priya Babu, a transgender who manages a theatre group to create awareness among the general public, said thousands of transgenders, gays and lesbians would take part in the rally.

Besides the demand for equal human rights, timely and proper health care, housing and job opportunities, Ms Babu said 'sexual minorities' should also be given representation in the Parliament and State Assemblies, on the lines of Anglo-Indian community. Stressing that transgenders should be recognised as women, she demanded that a separate welfare board be set up for the 'sexual minorities.' Ms Babu said the Government should legalise Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS) as several transgenders had lost their lives due to illegal and improper treatment.

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