Transgenders demand repeal of Sec 377 of IPC, take out rally

Chennai, Aug 9 (UNI)Transgenders and homosexuals from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh today took out a rally in the city demanding, among other things, repeal of section 377 of Indian Penal Code which treats sexual interaction between people of the same gender at a crime.

About 500 of them, carrying placards, gathered at the Munroe statue off the areterial Anna Salai and went in a procession highlighting their demans which also included representation in Parliament and state assemblies, voter identity card, ration card, sensitize law enforcement agencies and other governmen departments on the rights, right to non-discriminatory education, timely and proper health care, housing and job opportunities.

They alleged that they were subjected to harassment, abuse, ridicule and discrimination in the streets, at their own places schools and colleges, and also abused physically and sexually.

Later, four of their representatives submitted a memorandum highlighting their demands to Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Minister Poongothai Aladi Aruna.

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