Sexual minorities take out procession for their rights

Mysore, Dec 9 (UNI) About 300 ''sexual minorities'' today took out a procession in the city to mark the World Human Rights day, to be observed tomorrow.

The activists, under the aegis of Bangalore-based NGO Sangama, marched through the main thoroughfares of the city.

Sangama Convener Umar said the procession was organised in protest against violation of rights of sexual minorities like hijras, kothis, double deckers, lesbians, bisexuals, gays, homosexuals, transgenders and other oppressed due to their gender identity and sexual preference.

The processionists attracted the attention of passers by enroute by clapping, dancing and singing in their typical style. They carried placards in Kannada and English, with messages to stop domestic violence against sexual minorities.

Their demands included repealing of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, redrafting of civil laws relating to housing, employment, property, marriage, adoption, insurance, inclusion of sexual minorities as equals in society, recognising hijras as women and initiating urgent measures for their overall development.

UNI BSP GD VD RN2010